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Issue No: 4
November 21, 2014
President preserves Opposition trying to life of 10th Parliament- strangle press freedom T urges dialogue Page One Comment
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ExxonMobil to invest over US$200M in oil exploration Page 3
President Donald Ramotar (center) and Robert Persaud, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment with staff of Exxon/ Esso Exploration and Guyana Production Ltd
INSIDE
Opposition misinforming nation on prorogation Page 8
Elections certain if dialogue between Gov’t and opposition fails-HPS Page 4
O say it was a disappointment to hear Dr. Rupert Roopnarine calling for a boycott of some entities within the state media and a private newspaper, would be a gross understatement. Given that he was speaking at a PNC/AFC organised rally on Friday, November 14, 2014, at the Square of the Revolution, the comment is therefore not surprising. A boycott of sales as he advocated could lead to loss of revenue redounding in a loss of jobs. Clearly the end game as envisaged by Roopnarine is the closure of the National Communications Network (NCN), the Guyana Chronicle and the Guyana Times; the entities he targeted in his tirade. This is nothing new. Following the 2011 General Elections, APNU and the AFC have used their combined one-seat majority to deprive Guyanese the benefits of transformative and visionary projects like the Amaila Hydro, the Speciality Hospital and the expansion of the Cheddi Jagan International Airport, to name a few. In addition to denying the nation such benefits, the APNU/AFC repeatedly since 2012 reduced to one dollar, the budgets of NCN and the Government Information Agency (GINA). Even in the face of a court ruling which was pellucid that they have no authority to make such cuts, the two Opposition Parties were relentless in their efforts without any regard for the welfare of the staff who were affected. Many of these staff are the sole breadwinner of their families and have commitments to financial lending institutions. What it means is that the Opposition are prepared to disregard the courts in an effort to attain their objective of closing the State media and any entity which does not subscribe to their views. This objective is to ensure that only pro-Opposition views are articulated in the private media entities which have allegiance to them. These acts of cutting the budgetary allocations of GINA and NCN since 2012 and now bellowing the call for a boycott of the latter, Chronicle and the Guyana Times, are a direct attack of freedom of the press and freedom of expression. What is astonishing since 2012 is the deafening silence of the Guyana Press Association and the Opposition controlled private media entities to even classify these budgets cuts as an attack on press freedom! This is in stark contrast to when a particular private newspaper accused the Administration of suppressing press freedom when it was not in receipt of Government advertisements even though the decision was based on value for money through circulation. This can only be ascribed as a wanton display of convenience in synchrony with their political benefactor, PNC/AFC. This is why Roopnarine may be so emboldened to call for the boycott for he is assured of the propagation of his views and those of the PNC/AFC in some of the private media entities. “The Guyanese” forthrightly condemns Roopnarine’s boycott call and urges all relevant organisations to do likewise. While many countries have blamed their governments for not creating jobs, here in Guyana, it is the Opposition who are doing their utmost to take people out of their jobs. Given the tendencies the combined Opposition have demonstrated since 2012 of having its way or nothing and the manner in which the one-seat majority has been used, it would not be challenging to determine who constitutes a dictatorship. Their efforts to suppress freedom of expression and to try and deny, through a no-confidence motion, the democratically elected Donald Ramotar Government of its constitutional five-year tenure, are easy references.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
President preserves life of 10th parliament -pledges to continue engaging Opposition in constructive ways
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar on November 10, formally announced his decision to prorogue (discontinue imminent session of) the 10th Parliament of Guyana. This decision followed appeals by Government, and the Head of State, for a return to normalcy, to constructively address the many important issues confronting Guyana, which he said “appeared to have fallen on deaf ears.” The president indicated that the decision is consistent with his earlier position, and is in accordance with powers conferred on him by Article 70 (1) of the Constitution of the Republic of Guyana. “…my decision to exercise this constitutional option was not taken lightly, but it was the sole recourse that was left to me (so as) to ensure that the life of the 10th Parliament was
preserved.” President Ramotar recalled that during his national address on November 4, he had indicated his Government’s desire for the National Assembly, in its post-recess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters, “relating to the development of our country and the future of all of our people. I also extended a hand to the Opposition for us to put the nation’s business first, rather than political gamesmanship.” He added that were he to be provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intended to disrupt Government’s business by forcing a debate on their No Confidence Motion; he resolved to respond immediately by exercising his Constitutional options to either Prorogue or Dissolve Parliament, paving the way for holding of Gen-
eral Elections. He noted that the Parliamentary Opposition intended to end the life of the 10th Parliament with immediate effect, dashing all hopes for urgent attention to issues relating to economic growth, social services and the holding of Local Government Elections. “It is no secret that the Parliamentary Opposition parties had, at every conceivable opportunity,” President Ramotar said, “made known their clear intention to have their Motion of No Confidence, against my Government, debated instantly at the first postrecess sitting, which was called for today, November 10. Their one-seat majority in parliament could only mean its passage and the immediate irreversible dissolution of parliament.” The decision of Government to utilise this Constitutional route and not go
along with the debate, President Ramotar explained, lies in the practical choice between an atmosphere of confrontation, as the NoConfidence Motion debate would fuel, or that of possible accommodation, as a prorogued parliament can facilitate, if there is a genuine intent on all sides. “I also want to assure all that my decision ensures that the life of the 10th Parliament is preserved up to a maximum of six months, as permitted by the Constitution of Guyana.” The president pledged to have the PPP/C Administration use that time during the period of prorogation, to continue to engage the Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways, “in addressing the issues confronting Guyana.” He vowed also to keep all stakeholders abreast of developments, adding that he took this step with the
President Donald Ramotar delivering address to the nation on the proclamation hope that the time gained would be used for the benefit of all citizens. “I wish to appeal to all for political maturity and
the exercise of good judgment to put Guyana, our blessed nation, and, its people first”.
President’s prorogation constitutional
LEADERSHIP, especially that of a nation, demands decisiveness, because it is about the welfare and destiny of citizens, who have given a mandate to that leader and his collective, for governing their affairs. What is of essence here is the inherent morality of such a responsibility that makes it imperative for that leader to make decisions at critical moments in that nation’s journey. For it is always a fact, that political decisions by the Executive do not find favour with everyone, because of the many forces and dynamics at play. In the end, that leader still has the ultimate responsibility to do what he /she perceives to be best for the national interest. Inevitable decision President Donald Ramotar recently made a decision that was inevitable, given the background of what had been intended
by the Joint Opposition of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) parties; and what it may have held for the nation at this time-the rushing through of a No-Confidence Motion, that would have brought the life of the current Tenth Parliament to an end. This decision, to prorogue the House, has since been met with protests, led by both Parliamentary Opposition parties. How a constitutionally inscribed measure could be deemed as dictatorial, and illegal, when it is clothed by the highest law of the Land, the Constitution? How could it be deemed as a threat to democracy, when its purpose is primarily aimed at allowing for dialogue between Government and the Opposition?
Examples in other countries Lest there be any ambiguity about prorogation, let it be reiterated that this
measure is a part of most States’ constitution, where it has been used. In the Commonwealth of Nations, all the examples of its use have been done in a procedural manner that followed a strict protocol. In cases where the Monarchy is retained as Head-ofState, the Prime Minister has to recommend such a measure to the Monarchial representative, the Governor General, who usually consents, but after consultations. Canada has had this constitutional experience on no fewer than three occasions: in 2008, 2009, and in 2013. There were heavy criticisms levelled against the Prime Minister, Stephen Harper. but none was about the implementation of a dictatorship, as shouted by both APNU and the AFC. Australia, Grenada, and Bangladesh are some other examples of States where prorogation has occurred.
Act 70-1 of the constitution which provides for the prorogation of parliament
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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Guyana lives up to its image as an attractive investment location -ExxonMobil to invest over US$200M in oil exploration
THERE are high expectations for Guyana to become a petroleum producing nation as ExxonMobil formally announced its exploratory offshore drilling plans. The investment which will see the company thrusting US$200 million was welcomed by President Donald Ramotar, who attended the cocktail reception at the Pegasus Hotel on November 13. Expressing optimism, the Head of State said, “We’d rather prefer to have investments in our productive sector, and this investment in that regard is very important. Hopefully they will be successful very quickly, and Guyana will join the ranks of oil producing countries.” He said according to information reaching him, the possibilities are good and to have a company of Exxon’s reputation, investing in Guyana, adds to his optimism. “I think it is an exciting time, not only in our political history, but also in our economics and our investments.” The investment was also welcomed by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, who described it as a milestone happening by Esso Exploration and Guyana Production Ltd. “The vision of Guyana’s upstream oil and gas sector is of a strong, vibrant and sustainable private, sector-driven oil and gas industry, which will contribute significantly to its socio-eco-
CEO, Esso Guyana, Dr Eric Oswald, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud and Prime Minister, Samuel Hinds at the launch of Esso Exploration and Guyana Production Ltd
nomic development.” Minister Persaud explained that there are a number of bilateral programmes with the US, Canada and other multinational programmes, with international organisations such the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to assist in monitoring to address many of the complex issues that are critical to a sustainable oil and gas sector, “one that deals with challenges that are currently surmised or described as a resource curse.” The minister urged
other companies to invest, even as he recognised the approximately US$200 million investment being made by Exxon. He also noted that previous investments made by CGX Energy, Repsol, Anadarko Guyana Co, Takutu Oil and Gas and Nabi Oil and Gas, were based on the rich potential of local hydro-carbon resources. “Now that ESSO Exploration and Production Guyana Ltd. are close to exploration drilling, I have no doubt that due consideration is being given to issues of envi-
ronmental and safety requirements and corporate social responsibilities,” the Natural Resources Minister posited. “…it is important that we manage expectations. This is a risky undertaking and the results cannot be predicted. Even when there is a significant commercial discovery, it will take several years for the development and production of our hydrocarbons,” Minister Persaud stated. He concluded by reassuring “our continued commitment to make this venture a successful one
and that Guyana remains an attractive place for investment.” ExxonMobil’s Vice President for Exploration, Dr. Eric Oswald, said the company, which is described as the largest refiner of petroleum products in the world, has a long history of using science and innovation to bring forth energy. He emphasised that Exxon’s commitment to safety is unequalled, noting that “how we get results is just as important as the results we get” with a motto of “Nobody gets hurt”. The company
is partnering with strategic organisations such as Youth Challenge and the Volunteer Youth Corps as part of its corporate responsibility push. The company’s local headquarters is located at 99 New Market St, Georgetown. Mobilisation will begin in the first quarter of 2015, and drilling and exploration, initially at the Liza location, will commence in the second quarter of 2015. The total area allotted to Exxon covers 26, 806 square kilometers.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Elections certain if dialogue fails - Dr. Luncheon
ELECTIONS will take place if there is no change in the current climate of non-dialogue being mooted by the Parliamentary Opposition; this is the word coming from Cabinet Secretary, and Head of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon. Speaking at his postCabinet media briefing, Dr. Luncheon revealed that the ruling PPP/C Administration will be “unleashing a media campaign” even as it intends to push for talks with the Parliamentary Opposition and other stakeholders. The campaign will ensure among other issues that all stakeholders and citizens be informed on President Ramotar’s decision to prorogue Parliament. “It
will explain and justify his resort to the option of prorogation as opposed to those other options”. All of the responses and statements coming from the political opposition will also be answered accordingly, he stated. Noting that the initial reactions of the opposition have been rejection and threats, the HPS reiterated that the President acted to preserve the life of the 10th Parliament; hence it will continue to address the critical outstanding issues before it. The big picture, Dr. Luncheon said, calls for the “cultivation of dialogue” and this will remain the focus of engagements with stakeholders. The Administration has met, and will continue to meet various stakeholders, having al-
ready conducted meetings with representatives of several countries and civil society. The question of “What if?” was the focus of the meetings with the diplomatic community, Dr. Luncheon said. “What happens to the security, what happens to investments, what would Government be doing, that may or may not be judged as proper, during the nonexistent parliament?” Without the option of prorogation, he added there would have been a voluntary dissolution by the parliament or involuntary dissolution via the passage of a noconfidence motion. The expectation by all stakeholders, he emphasised, is that dialogue will have a chance to occur and have
the normalcy of parliament restored. Should the aforementioned normalcy be restored, Dr. Luncheon noted that the activities on the parliamentary agenda can be restored. “It would of course be part of the deal that successful dialogue would have to address, to have the status quo ‘ante’ reestablished at the end of a successful dialoguing... there is a host of unfinished business that this 10th Parliament has progressed from its initial sitting in 2012”. He further noted that to “irrevocably and irreversibly rub that out, I think that it was something that none of us in the Administration could stomach, at least not without a fight, not without an additional effort.” The records must show
that the PPP/C Administration went the extra mile and did all that was constitutionally possible, Dr. Luncheon added, and “all that could be reasonably done to avoid such a situation.” The likelihood of reason prevailing, given Government’s willingness to debate if the President had allowed the November 10th Parliamentary Sitting to proceed, was dismissed by Dr. Luncheon. “A well-argued case against no-confidence, in the face of the one-seat majority and the verbiage that greeted Guyanese and particularly the Administration, leading up to the November 10th convening of Parliament, the outcome was certain. I don’t believe the President was interested in taking that
risk, that he would be able to persuade the pharaohs, whose hearts had already been hardened.” With regards to many of the statements emanating from the quarters of the Parliamentary Opposition, the Cabinet Secretary noted that the six-month prorogation period could possibly see a change in their current stance. “I feel that our drafters put six months because they feel it’s a good time for you to contemplate and to be advised, and to maturely consider, and do all the other things, as we rationalise what the eventual position would be”. The current situation will be examined on a weekly basis, to ascertain the positions of the opposition and stakeholders, he said.
Guyana’s development will not be held back -President Ramotar says, in face of opposition’s threat not to honour any investment during prorogation
HEAD of State Donald Ramotar told the media on November 14, that neither he nor his Administration will hold back the further development of Guyana and its people. In response to a question about his position on the opposition’s threat, not to honour any investment agreements made during this prorogation period, the President said he has every intention of moving forward with any deal, as long as it is beneficial to the country. The statements originating from A Partnership for National Unity member, Carl Greenidge, following a meeting, on November 10 in Parliament Building, saw in part, the former PNC Finance Minister issuing what Government views as a ‘veiled threat’ to potential investors in the local economy. Greenidge said that “The individuals and busi-
nesses, Chinese nationals, Indian nationals, PPP associates whom they will give, whether it is broadcasting licences, gold mining licences, land grants and the like … we will not honour any of those obligations”. Meanwhile President Ramotar said there is no rational explanation for anyone to want to stymie the development of his or her country. “We would be acting perfectly legally and constitutionally by dealing with any type of investment. We will surely judge things on a case by case basis, and if we judge that an investment is good for our country, sure we will go ahead.” Further, Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira, said that the opposition statements are very dangerous, particularly to two nationalities-the Chinese and Indian.
President Donald Ramotar answers questions from local media operatives The Presidential Adviser said that such statements are irresponsible, particularly since the decision by the President is
constitutional and totally in keeping with the laws of Guyana. Using the parliamentary forum in an “abusive
way” was the description Teixeira gave to the Combined Opposition’s holding of the controversial meeting, in the Parlia-
ment Chambers of National Assembly, even after the proclamation was made.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Dialogue is an essential cog in the democratic wheel
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-Gov’t’s door is always open-AG
THE move by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue the parliament has not only caught the opposition unprepared, but left them in “undecipherable shock” even though it has several lawyers within its rank, Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall said. The opposition seemed unprepared or unable to ascertain that prorogation would have been an option for Government, via the President, the AttorneyGeneral stated, during a television programme, on the National Communications Network, titled “The 10th Parliament and the Way Forward.” “Mr. Joe Harmon’s reference to the prorogation, rendering the opposition homeless, is most misleading. Prorogation is but a temporary suspension of the sittings of the National Assembly. Dissolution, that is, termination in its entirety of the 10th Parliament, would have been the irreversible consequence of the No-Confidence Motion being pursued by the opposition. So it is the No-Confidence Motion that would have rendered the opposition figuratively homeless, not the prorogation,” Minister Nandlall stated. Asked about the stated intentions and oft repeated statement by the Joint Opposition “our way or no way” with regards to dialogue with Government, Minister Nandlall described it as a most unfortunate position. He said however, that the population will judge for themselves, noting that stakeholder high-level meetings have been conducted where the stakeholders have all called for dialogue, and at the soonest
President Donald Ramotar briefs the Diplomatic Corps on the proroguing of parliament possible time. “The people of Guyana would heard repeated pronouncements made by the opposition parties to the effect that they want dialogue, and that they are interested in building consensus and a harmonious relationship with the Government for the public good, that very public will now see an opposition who, when perhaps it matters the most, is rejecting dialogue and constructive engagements with the Government,” the AG stated. “Constructive engagement and dialogue in an effort to find compromise are what the prorogation presents.” Leadership and statesmanship are best seen in times that are trying, according to the Minister, as “every political leader should have these qualities, and is now presented with a great opportunity to demonstrate them”. He cited the fact that countries such as Australia and Canada have had prorogation by their leadership and emerged as exemplars. Reacting to the threats
being made by the Political Opposition and their calls for protests, the Minister stressed the fact that when the issue of the no-confidence motion was first put in the public domain, his party, the PPP, did not mobilise its supporters for, nor did it threaten a similar action. “We acknowledged and recognised that as a constitutional and lawful power, which the Parliamentary Opposition enjoys, and of course we reserved our right as Government to respond by employing similar constitutional and lawful methods, and we have done so.” Acknowledging the constitutional right of the opposition to voice disagreement with the action taken by the President to prorogue the Parliament, Minister Nandlall, said that so too it must be accepted that the action taken by the Government is permissible by the very constitution. “It is important to remember that while the prorogation mechanism has been with us since Independence, the no-confidence power enjoyed by
the opposition was only inserted in the Constitution during the 1999-2000 Constitutional process. This process was engineered by and took place under the tenure of a PPP/C Administration, in our quest to enhance our democratic process and conferring greater power to our Parliament.” Dialogue an essential cog in the democratic wheel Speaking of the impending protest threats, Minister Nandlall said the question must be asked if demonstrating, though legal, is the best recourse at this time. He noted that given the possible mayhem that could result, “one has to question whether or not this is the right approach. Shouldn’t it have been better to have constructive discussions?” he asked. Protest, the Minister explained, must be a last recourse as, “Dialogue is an essential cog in the democratic wheel. We have not even had an attempt to engage Government on the issue of dialogue,” he added. The most recent state-
ment issued by the Opposition Leader, calling on the security forces not to interfere with any peaceful protests, was described by the Attorney-General as a “loaded statement.” He opined that it may be reflective of a time when Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger was serving in the military, during which he had admitted to being a member of the then ruling PNC Party. The statement made by the late PNC Leader Desmond Hoyte, calling on the security services to remember that protestors were their “kith and kin” was also recalled by the Minister. “Why was this statement necessary in the first place?” the AG asked. “Over the last 20 years, our Administration has never attempted to interfere with our armed forces in the discharge of their duty. All we have demanded is that they act professionally, and demonstrate their allegiance to the Constitution which they took an oath to uphold.” There was an attempt to gather a large number of protestors at the Parliament Buildings, following President Ramotar’s decision to prorogue Parliament on Monday, November 10, but this strenuous effort failed. The AG highlighted Guyana’s economic growth over the last nine years and gains in various sectors noting that, “these are not propagandistic statistics.” He added that, “Where we are as a people is the best that we have ever seen in this country”. Poverty though existent, Minister Nandlall said, is at a far
lower level than the Political Opposition would have many believe. Persons are more concerned with their economic well-being, and have moved past the stage of public protests, he opined, further describing such actions as a “retrograde step.” “Unfortunately it would appear as though our people are ahead of the leaders. They have seen their lives improved. The protestors of 1997 now own their own homes; some of them have their own vehicles; some have jobs; some have businesses; and are now not prepared to engage in protest actions that can easily be avoided by their leaders, engaging the Government in dialogue.” The Government’s door is always open for dialogue, the Minister stated emphatically, adding that responsible leadership demands that the offer made be accepted. Compromises must and can be made, he stressed. He said that whilst both sides had demands, any such action must be for the good of the country and reminded of the need for the passage of AntiMoney Laundering Bill for example. The AG also reflected on the statements that there would be no support for the upcoming National Budget, and said that it was a similar theme echoed previously. “They cut the 2012 budget, the 2013 budget, and the 2014 budget when prorogation was not a factor in the political matrix. So I am not surprise; it obviously shows that the Political Opposition is not of the frame of mind to lead this country in the future,” the AG opined.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Letter to the Editor Editor-In-Chief: Shanta Gobardhan Editor: Henry Singh Editorial: 592 227 0773 Web: www.gina.gov.gy Facebook: GINA Email: ginagovgy@gmail.com Area ‘B’ Homestretch Avenue, Durban Backlands, Georgetown,Guyana
EDITORIAL
Opposition wears perfectly the tag of being undemocratic and dictatorial Dear Editor, I quote verbatim: “It is important to remember that while the prorogation mechanism has been with us since
Parliamentary Opposition’s disrespect for country’s Law is well known
IT is not that Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh’s request for parliamentary approval for the spending of $4.5B, in accordance with the Appropriations Act, was contrary to the Constitution; this sum, that was to have funded key socioeconomic projects, had been excised from Budget 2014. We recall that such opposition action to Budget 2012 had already been deemed illegal, by way of judicial decision. It was an edict that the combined opposition ought to have obeyed; yet they repeated their unconstitutional acts in 2013 and again in 2014. Thus Minister Singh’s decision to spend was in keeping with the relevant constitutional provisions. How can he be deemed as spending money without parliamentary approval, as contended by the opposition; more so, when the action of budget cut had been found to be in contravention? It was the above that set in train the series of events, particularly with the decided opposition threat of a no-confidence motion, alleging impropriety on the part of Government; and the Government’s response of prorogation of the National Assembly. As President of the Republic of Guyana, Donald
Ramotar has been given a mandate to lead this country. It is a responsibility that he is duty bound, and has taken very seriously in its entirety, despite having to contend with a hostile and wholly uncooperative Parliamentary Opposition, that has made governance very difficult. In fact, the opposition’s many antinational acts, such as refusing to support the critical pieces of legislation, have been difficult to fathom. Therefore, his proclamation of November 10, should be seen as taking the very decisive step, empowered by the Constitution, to safeguard the gains from 22 years of hard work that have led to the on-going transformative success of this country. It can then be concluded as necessary to arrest the legislative decline from which there will be no gains, in the latest act of a No-Confidence Motion. Where is the plot of dictatorial intention, or its declared process, as contended by the Parliamentary Opposition? What in effect these two parties, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (APNU) are incorrectly saying to the people of this nation, is that a constitutional act , ordered by the President, will be used to
subvert the freedom of the nation in general. This is a claim, totally nebulous and without foundation, designed to obfuscate their irresponsible conduct that influenced the President’s intervention, using his constitutional prerogative. But there is also another well-known facet of opposition behaviour, that is, the attacking of legal decisions. Of course, as alluded to above, we recall their criticisms against the Chief Justice’s ruling when he adjudicated against their cuts to Budget 2012. Showing utter contempt and disregard for the law, not only did they condemn the decision; they also repeated the same offence, in the following years of 2013, and 2014! It does well to remember their vehement criticisms of the Linden Commission of Inquiry results. They spewed venom against the commission, because they disagreed with the awards, even when they had helped in drafting the ‘Terms of Reference.’ Thus, this latest objection, which is really against the constitution, is another shameful manifestation of this opposition’s predilection for attacking legal decisions that are not in consonance with their political agenda.
Independence, the NoConfidence power, enjoyed by the Opposition, was only inserted in the Constitution, during the 1999-2000 Constitutional process. This process was engineered by and took place under the tenure of a PPP/C Administration, in our quest to enhance our democratic process and conferring greater power to our Parliament.” I gleaned this incisive comment from AttorneyGeneral and Minister of
Legal Affairs, Anil Nandlall, who spoke in the aftermath of President Donald Ramotar’s proroguing of the 10th Parliament. In reality, this effectively silences any claim that the PPP/C Government is being ‘undemocratic’ and ‘dictatorial.’ First, the November 10 decision, taken by President Ramotar is most constitutional, yet I am hearing a lot of senseless verbiage and controversies, with all of them being most untenable.
Judging from what I am hearing and from whom the comments are coming, I have to ask myself two questions: First, what kind of legal minds do the two opposition parties have? And secondly, what intentions they have? Let me make it clear that the Guyana Constitution clearly provides for Prorogation of Parliament, and President Ramotar clearly functioned within his legal See page 27
Rupert Roopnarine’s assault on media should be condemned by all
Dear Editor, Senior opposition politician, Dr Rupert Roopnarine’s call for the boycotting of the State media, viz., the Guyana Chronicle, the National Communications network (NCN), and the privately-owned Guyana Times, is definitely an as-
sault on the media, and should be roundly condemned by all freedom loving Guyanese. This attack is all the more astonishing, since it comes from a politician/academic whose party, the Walter Rodneyfounded Working People’s
Alliance(WPA), was itself, one of the chief victims of this cruel denial, by the former dictatorial regime of the People’s National Congress(PNC). In the name of all good reasons, how irSee page 27
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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Personal agenda of some opposition members seems more important than national development
THERE are some members of the political opposition, President Donald Ramotar said, who seem bent on pursuing their own narrow personal agendas, instead of putting national development first. Speaking to the media on November 14, the President was asked about his efforts to reach out to the political opposition since he took office in November 2011. It was recalled that he broke from tradition and personally addressed the first sitting of the 10th parliament, offering to work with the opposition which when combined, had a
President Donald Ramotar addressing the media
one-seat majority. According to the Head of State, his attempt to reach out to the Parliamentary Opposition did not go as he expected. “I thought that we could have developed a much better working relationship. I thought that if we only based ourselves on what was in the interest of the people of our country, I thought there were very many areas that we could have found agreement on”. This was not the case, President Ramotar stated, as he noted that, “personal political agenda seems to be more important to some people than that of national
-President Ramotar
development”. The President has repeatedly said that Government is willing to meet and have dialogue on national issues. The Government had reached out and sought to include the Political Opposition on issues such as the Anti-Money Laundering Bill, Amaila Falls Hydro Project and the construction of the Marriot Hotel. Despite efforts, which included for example, the provision of confidential contract documents and site visits to Amaila, projects failed to gain accept-
ance from the Political Opposition. On November 10, the President prorogued parliament, and by so doing, preserved the life of the 10th session. He said That Government was open to dialogue and during the period of prorogation, his Administration would use the time to continue to engage the Parliamentary Opposition in constructive ways, in addressing the issues confronting Guyana. The Opposition has however maintained that it is not interested in dialogue.
President’s proclamation is democratic, provides chance for all political leaders to show maturity MINISTER of Legal Affairs and Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, said the President’s proclamation to prorogue parliament is legal, and most importantly it will give the members of the combined opposition an opportunity to demonstrate maturity. President Donald Ramotar on November 10 issued a proclamation, proroguing (discontinuing) parliament. The Attorney-General, speaking on a televised programme, “The 10th Parliament and the way forward,” on the National Communications Network (NCN), said prorogation is nothing novel, though it may be new to the Guyanese culture. “Prorogation is that you can have different sittings in the parliament that can be suspended by the instrumentality of a prorogation; the effect is that it brings to a halt all the business of that sitting of the parliament.” Further, the first sitting of the 10th parliament has
come to an end; however if parliament is to resume, this would be considered the second sitting of the 10th Parliament, and all the business that were part of the first sitting will have to be brought afresh back on the agenda, the Legal Affairs Minister explained. Prorogation is a feature of the Westminster constitutional model, which Guyana inherited from Britain. It has been a facet of the British legal system dating back to the days of Magna Carta (the first document imposed upon a King of England by a group of his subjects, the feudal barons, in an attempt to limit his powers by law and protect their rights) about 800 hundred years ago. When Britain delivered independence to all its colonies, it drafted a constitution, called the Westminster Model, and it included in the repertoire of provisions and parliamentary mechanisms, the concept of prorogation.
President Donald Ramotar meeting with stakeholders on the prorogation of parliament on November 11, 2014 This concept has been used throughout the British Commonwealth, by countries over the years, to meet the exigencies of different situations unfolding in their respective territories. Significantly, it has been used regularly in the face of a no-confidence motion. The Attorney General also gave clarity on the effect of a prorogation as opposed to dissolution. “Prorogation terminates a sitting of the Parliament, unfortunately we in Guyana have had a cul-
ture of using sitting and lives of Parliament interchangeably, and we have not had a history and culture of sitting, as distinct to life of the parliament, so it may be difficult practically for persons to understand.” He explained that the life of a parliament begins when parliament resumes after a general election, and it terminates five years hence, or at the time parliament is dissolved. If it is before the five-year period, the life of that par-
liament comes to an end, that’s dissolution. The Attorney General also reiterated that prorogation is an instrument and it takes effect from the time it is published in the Official Gazette of the country. The proclamation was gazetted on November 10. Political Maturity Further, the AttorneyGeneral said this historical period for Guyana will be the opportune time for all political leaders
to let their actions match their words, by cooperating in the interest of all Guyanese. “As the President said, prorogation offers the country an opportunity for the political players to come together, and find a common path forward.” AG Nandlall said the option of proceeding with a no-confidence motion inevitably results in the dissolution of parliament. “What that means is that it’s an act that results in finality; prorogation on the other hand leaves all the options available.” He added that ever since the President’s address to the nation on November 4, where he hinted his intention to either dissolve or prorogue the parliament, there have been talks by APNU about working together for national unity. “The prorogation has opened a vista for all parties to come together and work out an agenda that is beneficial to all Guyanese,” he reiterated.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Opposition misinforming nation on prorogation
DESPITE knowing full well that President Donald Ramotar acted within the law of the constitution in proroguing the tenth Parliament, the Joint Opposition players continue to mislead the public as they actively resist the prorogation. In defiance of the President executing his constitutional right in this matter, A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) have jointly condemned and denounced the President’s actions and have said that there will be no extra parliamentary engagement with the President, on the matters which were before the National Assembly; further, they will together embark upon a series of measures dedicated to restoration of the National Assembly. APNU went way off, describing the move as a “dark day for democracy,” saying that the proclamation had “effectively paralysed the parliamentary process and smothered the voices of the people’s legitimate representatives in the National Assembly.” Despite the fact that the President could have opted, if he had so wanted, to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for new elections in the face
of an impending No-Confidence Motion, but instead opted for the much more sensible and politically desirable option of proroguing Parliament, which now leaves the door wide open for fresh and innovative thinking on the way forward for the country. APNU instead is embracing the opinion that “President Ramotar has now single-handedly engineered a constitutional crisis.” Even the Speaker of the National Assembly, Raphael Trotman, fully aware of the provision of the constitutional measure, has sought to confuse and has publicly put forward the notion that the prorogation was “most undemocratic” and “most distasteful.” Government, on the other hand, continues to reject the Joint Opposition’s sentiments, pointing out, that not only are they controversial, but their views are misleading, mischievous, and ones that seek to divide the nation. Government has since noted the irony that many of the persons, who are propagating the line that the decision is illegal, are all well learned in the legal fraternity, and should therefore know the constitution and what it says about prorogation.
The Combined Opposition convened a meeting in the Chambers of Parliament, on November 10, 2014, despite the President’s Prorogation Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon was among one of the first to point this out, saying that “Half of these people who have contributed to this hype, many of them are lawyers and literate, and have experience to the issue of prorogation.” He also called on Guyanese to see the Opposition’s reaction to the President’s decision as no surprise, but one from a spurned Opposition.
It was further pointed out by the Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall, that prorogation has been a part of Guyana’s constitution from the very beginning. This concept is a feature of the Westminster constitutional model, which Guyana inherited from Britain, and one that has been used throughout the British Commonwealth, by countries, over the years to meet the exigencies of different situ-
ations unfolding, in their respective territories, including in the face of any no-confidence motion. Further, the ruling People’s Progressive Party (PPP) has since taken to task the Speaker of the National Assembly, for saying that President Donald Ramotar’s decision was most undemocratic and distasteful. The party noted that Trotman clearly has got his facts all wrong
and is viewing current realities through the prism of a politically biased and jaundiced mind. “This stance taken by him objectively plays up to the Opposition’s gallery, but certainly cannot advance the political health of the nation, which has been seriously ruptured by the uncompromising and vindictive actions taken by the Combined Opposition,” the PPP said.
Opposition’s double standard crystal clear in the use of constitutional mechanism THERE is a clear double standard coming from the Combined Opposition, as it relates to making use of avenues constitutionally provided for recourses. This is the view expressed by Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and General Secretary of the People’s Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) in response to the Joint Opposition parties’ reaction to the President’s proroguing of parliament. “The PPP denounces both the Alliance For Change and People’s National Congress for their political bullyism and dictatorial behaviour in the wake of the PPP/C Administration’s move to utilise enshrined constitutional tools to address the current impasse in the National Assembly,” the Minister said.
He pointed out that from all indications; it appears that the Opposition is only “ok” with the Opposition and not the Government’s utilising constitutional mechanism. Minister Rohee pointed out that on one hand it was “ok” for the Alliance For Change (AFC) to move ahead with its NoConfidence Motion, but sacrilegious for the President’s proroguing the Parliament to thwart their “nefarious game plan.” The Minister pointed out that the prorogation of Parliament was only done after it became clear that attempts were in train to derail the democratic process by way of the No-Confidence motion which would have brought to a premature end the life of a democratic and constitutional PPP/C Government. He noted that President Ramotar has
Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee made use of constitutional and legal mechanisms to preserve the life of the Parliament and the country’s democracy with the aim of seeking some measure of political accommodation in dealing with matters of grave national importance. Further, Minister Rohee said that it is the Administration’s view that that prorogation provides for the recall of the 10th Parliament and for the creation
of necessary political space for the Administration and the Parliamentary Opposition to resume dialogue. “…the PPP is of the view that prorogation will preserve and sustain the life of the 10th Parliament, unlike dissolution, which the Parliamentary Opposition parties are hell-bent on enforcing, by way of their NoConfidence motion, which, when inevitably passed, will result in shutting down and ending the life of the 10th Parliament and denying the passage of important Bills which would bring immense benefits to the people of Guyana.,” The provision of space for political dialogue was very important given the recent outcry by the Leader of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), Brigadier (rtd.) David Granger. Granger had pub-
licly proclaimed that he has ‘washed his hands’ of any further engagement with the PPP/C Administration in an effort to reach agreement, on a date for Local Government Elections. Minister Rohee pointing out that by his own statement, the Opposition Leader would have effectively shut the door on political dialogue, “a useful practice often used by politicians in times like these.” The 10th Parliament can be recalled after a limited six -month period to continue with outstanding and other important matters of interest to the Guyanese people. Among these are the holding of local democratic elections, the passage of important pieces of legislation to advance the common good, such as the anti-money laundering and the telecommunications
-Minister Rohee bills, aimed at opening up the sector and making it much more competitive. In the meantime, Minister Rohee said that the ruling party will not be “threatened, intimidated nor bullied” by the Combined Opposition and that “invoking Burnham-like scare-tactics, aggressive and hostile rhetoric will do no good and will prove counterproductive.” “With his recent mouthing, Granger has given a signal to the anti-PPP elements in society to resort to their well-established practice of disrupting the peace and good order in our country,” Minister Rohee said, making it clear that “the PPP is confident that these dark, disruptive forces will not succeed.”
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Civil Society stakeholders support calls for dialogue
MEMBERS of civil society are in support of the action taken by President Donald Ramotar to prorogue the 10th Parliament of Guyana. Among those who publicly made their views known are Chairman of the Roraima Group of Companies, Captain Gerald Gouveia and Trade Union Leader, Carvil Duncan, who both expressed confidence that the President acted within the ambit of the Constitution of Guyana. Captain Gerald Gouveia Gouveia noted that because of proroguing “…there should be no calls for the disruption of the peace of Guyana.” However, if this happens, he explained, it will have very serious consequences on job creation. Gouveia noted too, that the Constitution was created through consultations with the people, and any disruption to the peace would be very wrong. This use of the Constitution should have no negative effects on Guyana, the civil society member pointed out, stating that Guyanese who disrupt the peace would create more trouble than the country could afford. Gerald Gouveia Gouveia insisted that job creation was essential for Government to accommodate through investments. Observing that all political leaders need to understand this, he posited that this could be accommodated through the fostering of investor confidence, and this should be recognised by all political leaders, in the interest of the future of the young people of the country. The actions of the Opposition affect the economy, he stated, and these bring about feelings of disappointment, created by the opposition by not approving projects. Gouveia also pointed out that moving the economy ahead calls for continued support and stability of the country, which if not effected, would affect job creation which would be a serious disservice. Kit Nascimento, Private Sector Commission Member Member of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) and one time minister in the PNC Administration, Christopher Nascimento, agreed that the President’s decision to prorogue the Parliament was constitutional, in keeping with the law, and was to facilitate dialogue. “Article 13 of our constitution does provide for civil society to become directly involved in that dialogue”. He added that due to its nature, politics is confrontational and partisan; hence it is time that civil society, which is bi-partisan “offer its services, get involved and be present, and participate in facilitating that dialogue”.
Operations Manager, Air Services Limited, Annette Arjune-Martins Annette Arjune-Martins expressed her optimism that all the politicians will “put Guyana first” as stakeholders are concerned and looking forward to some sort of resolution.
Annette Arjune-Martins Businessman, Terry Singh Businessman, Terry Singh was of the opinion that both sides should meet in a public domain to debate the contentious issues and work out their differences, as “both sides think they are right”.
Terry Singh Lincoln Lewis, Guyana Trades Union Congress Lewis said, “If they have problems they have to go in parliament and sort it out. We have given up authority to the politicians and we expect them to go there and work it out on our behalf”.
Lincoln Lewis Eddie Boyer, Member, PSC Boyer said that it was time for both sides to have dialogue. “I think dialogue is definitely needed at this time, rather than saying this side is right and this side is wrong; all the politicians should come to their senses now”. Kit Nascimento Eddie Boyer
Head, PSC, Ramesh Persaud Head of the PSC, Ramesh Persaud, said that like the Head of State, he too is optimistic that dialogue would result in a cessation of the current parliamentary issues. “We in the private sector would like to see such a dialogue take place and hope that it would happen as quickly as possible.”
Ramesh Persaud
Chris Fernandes, Chairman, John Fernandes group of Companies “We have to find a way to bring both political parties together-as a country we have to find a solution. Regardless of how we got where we are, we need to find a way to get out of where we are, and the only way is by dialogue,” Chris Fernandes said.
Chris Fernandes
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Guyana among five countries to prorogue Parliament in the 2000s
PROROGATION is the end of a parliamentary session which differs from a recess or adjournment. It does not end a session, like the complete dissolution of parliament, which ends both the session and the entire parliament, requiring an election. When a parliament is prorogued, the legislature is still constituted, i.e. no general election takes place and all Members of Parliament thus retain their seats. However, prorogation causes all orders of the body-bills, and motions, etc.-to be put on hold. Prorogations should also not be confused with recesses, adjournments, and holiday breaks from legislation, even though bills resume exactly where they left off. Prorogation is a necessary action, which can be used in “situations where governments need to stop and refocus.” At the same time, arbitrary use of the power of prorogation can affect the very fragile balance of power that exists between the different parts of government. What is of paramount importance is that the legislature be recalled, so the opposition can hold the cabinet to account for its actions, a task central to the functioning of responsible government. The prorogation of Guyana’s Parliament has been condemned by several bodies, mainly affiliated to the political opposition, who had intended to table a noconfidence motion against the Government of Guyana. Guyana Guyana’s prorogation is intended to avoid sterile debates with the opposition, ahead of a possible January 2015 General Elections (if a no-confidence motion were to have been). While the President has the legal right to prorogue or dissolve the Parliament, it has been claimed by the Political Opposition that it was done to avoid a debate on the No-
Confidence Motion against the Government. This decision followed appeals by Government and the Head of State, for a return to normalcy, to constructively address the many important issues confronting Guyana, which he said “appear to have fallen on deaf ears.” President Ramotar re-
for urgent attention to issues, relating to economic growth, social services and the holding of Local Government Elections. The decision of Government to utilise this Constitutional route and not to go along with the debate on the no-confidence motion, President Ramotar explained, lies in the prac-
The prorogation was condemned by the Opposition, who stated that the proroguing was an attempt by Harper and the Conservative Government to delay accountability on the Senate expenses scandal and the grilling they would have faced in the House of Commons. However, while the
Parliament building, Georgetown called that during his national address on November 4, he indicated his Government’s desire for the National Assembly, in its postrecess sittings, to deliberate and give priority to important matters, “relating to the development of our country and the future of all of our people. I also extended a hand to the Opposition for us to put the nation’s business first rather than political gamesmanship.” He added that were he to be provided with reasons to believe that the Parliamentary Opposition intended to disrupt Government’s business, by forcing a debate on the No-Confidence Motion, he resolved (then) to respond immediately by exercising his Constitutional options to either Prorogue or Dissolve Parliament, paving the way for holding of General Elections. He noted that the Parliamentary Opposition intended to end the life of the 10th Parliament with immediate effect, dashing all hopes
tical choice between an atmosphere of confrontation, as the debate would fuel, or that of possible accommodation, as a prorogued Parliament can facilitate, if there is a genuine intent on all sides. He vowed also to keep all stakeholders abreast of developments, adding that he took this step with the hope that the time gained would be used for the benefit of all citizens. It must be observed that Guyana is among several other countries which have prorogued their parliaments. Canada In August 2013, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s decision to prorogue Parliament and launch a new session in October killed a number of Government bills-including a stalled bill on Senate reform-and delayed the House of Commons from sitting in September as was originally planned.
Opposition acknowledged that proroguing in the middle of a four-year mandate is a normal use of Prime Ministerial power, they believed that Harper and the Conservatives were simply looking to delay the return of the House of Commons to avoid the fallout from the Senate expenses scandal. In the previous Parliament, Prime Minister Harper prorogued twice; the first time just two weeks after the first session began in December 2008. He asked then Governor General Michaelle Jean to prorogue his minority Parliament, to avoid being replaced by a coalition of opposition parties. Harper prorogued again in December 2009 to “recalibrate” his Government, also avoiding the scrutiny of the Parliamentary committee investigating Afghan detainees. In September 2002, the Liberal Government of Jean Chretien prorogued Parliament a few weeks before it was scheduled to return
-Canada a notable example from the summer recess, preventing the public accounts committee from finishing a report on advertising contracts, awarded to Quebec companies, a scandal that had been plaguing the Liberal party for months. Grenada In September, 2012, Grenada’s Governor General Carlyle Glean agreed to prorogue Parliament, ending the session and killing the no-confidence motion filed by lawmaker Karl Hood. The move bought Thomas time to thwart any attempt by Opposition lawmakers and unhappy backbenchers from his party to push through the No-Confidence Motion. Hood was Thomas’ Foreign Affairs Minister, until he resigned from the Cabinet in May. He accused the Administration of refusing to approve and fund his projects. However in January 2013, the Grenada Prime Minister Tillman Thomas advised the country’s Governor General to dissolve Parliament, paving the way for new elections. Parliament had been prorogued since (September) the summer. Thomas said an election date will be set in the country within 90 days. The decision to wait more than three months to dissolve Parliament and pave the way for elections was a bid to allow voters to register, as once a date is officially set, voter registration ceases immediately. Nepal In March, 2013, in the Khatmandu Parliament in Nepal, most seats in the Legislative-Parliament were empty, as only 127 members showed up which forced the Speaker Subas Nembang to prorogue the House. The absence of the MPs meant that the Parliament could not pass nor reject two or-
dinances: Extradition Ordinance; and Organised Crime Prevention Ordinance. Unified CPN-Maoist lawmaker Ram Narayan Bidari said the process should not move ahead, as the required number of lawmakers was not present in the House. This led to a brief court-like argument and counter argument between Bidari and the Speaker, who are both legal experts. Speaker Subas Chandra Nembang drew Government’s attention towards the lack of quorum and adjourned the Parliament. Since the House was adjourned, discussion on ordinances could not proceed. Workers of the Parliament Secretariat checked the Administrators and discovered that just 127 MPs were available; the Speaker dismissed the House. The 601-part Constituent Assembly that copy as Parliament are just 575 parts. For the House to reach its majority, 143 MPs ought to have been available that day. Speaker Subas Chandra Nembang drew consideration of the legislature towards the absence of majority and dismissed the Parliament. Since the House was suspended, talks on laws could not continue. Bangladesh In July of 2009, the budget session of the Bangladesh Parliament was prorogued with a call from the House to the boycotting of opposition lawmakers to return to Parliament to play their democratic role. Leader of the House, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, said that keeping in mind the two-year rule of an unelected government, the main opposition party should join the Parliament to thwart any conspiracy against the democratic system.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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Secretary General urges 48th batch of UG graduates not to forsake region UNIVERSITY of Guyana 2014 graduating students were urged not to forsake the Caribbean Region. The call came from Caricom Secretary General, Irwin La Rocque, who delivered the feature address, at the
convocation exercise. The Region’s top ambassador congratulated the graduands and noted the constraints facing those who graduate from tertiary institutions. One thousand, six hundred and five (1605)
students graduated from Faculties of Agriculture, Forestry, Education and Humanities, Health Sciences, Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Technology, and the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Under the Faculty of Health
University of Guyana graduates at it 48th Convocation ceremony at the Turkeyen Campus
Sciences, the first batch of students graduated with the Bachelor of Science degree in Optometry and Medical Rehabilitation. They have now joined the less than 15% of the Region’s citizens who possess a university education, the Caricom Head said, as he asked that those in attendance, briefly pause to remember the contribution of those who taught them previously, along with their parents, who supported them in the journey. Addressing the graduates directly, he said they should follow the mission of their alma mater, “to discover, generate, disseminate, and apply knowledge of the highest standard for the service of the community, the nation, and of all mankind, within an atmosphere of academic freedom that allows for free and critical inquiry.” The Caricom Head ex-
Prorogation within Guyana’s constitutional framework
THE Secretary General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Jose, Miguel Insulza, has acknowledged that the suspension of Guyana’s parliament occurred within the framework of the constitution. Insulza, in a press statement, said that OAS has taken note of Proclamation No. 1 of 2014, dated November 10, 2014, in which President Donald Ramotar prorogued the Tenth Parliament of Guyana with immediate effect, for a maximum period of six months and that the organsiation has observed that “the prorogation of the Parliament of Guyana issued by President Ramotar has occurred within the framework of the country’s constitution.” The head of the hemispheric organisation said, “In a democracy, an ef-
ficient functioning of the Parliament allows for checks and balances and for the voice of the people to be heard.” The Secretary General also took note of Guyana’s split governance since November 2011, in which the executive is “controlled by one party and the combined opposition having the majority in parliament.” He urged all parties to work for the greater good of Guyana. “Since the last elections in November 2011, Guyana has had a split governance system with the executive controlled by one party and the Combined Opposition having the majority in Parliament…this situation presents both challenges and opportunities for all parties in Guyana to work together for the greater good of the country,” he said. He urged both the governing and opposition political parties
-OAS Secretary General
Secretary General of the Organisation of American States, Jose Miguel Insulza “to redouble their efforts to reach an understanding and compromise on the major political and socioeconomic issues facing the country.” The Secretary Gen-
eral also expressed his hope “that parliamentary debate can be resumed in the 10th Parliament in the shortest possible period of time.”
University of Guyana Valedictorian, Joel Joseph addressing fellow graduates pressed hope that the community that the graduates choose to serve is within the Caribbean. He spoke of the advances of the global economy and urged that they apply for the Caricom skills certificate, to serve in any of the 12 countries that form the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). With some 14,000 such certificates already issued, he expressed the hope that by next year, potential graduates would be able to apply online for same. “This is a good example of what our community, your community is doing, that is, providing opportunities for skilled citizens to advance their own career and pursue their personal goal, while at the same time, contributing to the development of our Region”. The newly qualified students were reminded to read constantly and voraciously, in what was described as the “book of life and the book of other people” and not just the books on the library shelves. Valedictorian and winner of the President’s med-
al, Joel Joseph, after thanking his parents, better half and lecturers, recounted some of his experiences at the University of Guyana and had the crowd applauding heartily. He quoted the inventor and painter Michelangelo, who said, “The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but setting our aim too low and achieving our mark”. Noting that Guyana loses around 80% of its UG graduates to other nations, the Linden resident said that corporate Guyana, Government and students have to work together to solve this problem. He called for what he described as various incentives and “other sweeteners” to pursue skilled persons to remain to serve and develop their country. Graduates also need to adopt a more patriotic and nationalistic approach to serve their country. He added that it is dereliction of duty for stakeholders not to accept collective responsibility for Guyana’s developmental trajectory.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Rodney COI completes session six
WORKERS struggling for livable wages, under the repressive People’s National Congress (PNC) Administration engaged in industrial action and not political activism, Labour Minister, Dr. Nanda Kishore Gopaul said, during a dramatic showdown with PNC Counsel, Mr. Basil Williams at the Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI). Testimonies from the Labour Minister, Former Journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, Leon Saul and Justice Charles Ramson Snr., Commissioner of Information and Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana wrapped up the sixth session of the historic commission, seeking to establish why and how Guyana got to the point of assassinating the world-recognised scholar and social justice leader, Dr. Rodney. Gopaul, who took the stand on the final day of the sixth session, spoke of the industrial climate in Guyana, during the time leading up to the death of Dr. Walter Rodney. His focus was on the major strikes, which took place shortly before Dr. Rodney’s death and the fight for workers’ rights. Gopaul, under heated cross-examination from Williams, insisted that crippling labour strikes in Guyana in 1977 and 1979 stemmed from the resentment and hardships of workers against the harsh economic policies of the PNC Government. Williams however, sought to suggest that the two strikes paved the way for the tense social atmosphere that resulted in Dr. Rodney’s demise, and kept insisting that the unions engaged in political action, thus creating the platform for country-wide instability. But Dr. Gopaul rejected this, claiming that the unions only focused on industrial action. Williams also sought to put it to Dr. Gopaul that the devastating strikes of 1977 and 1979 had more to do with unions’ attempts to engage in political action
Labour Minister, Dr Nanda Gopaul
Ras Leon Saul
Justice Charles Ramson
to unseat the PNC Government, but Dr. Gopaul vehemently denied Williams’ suggestion, noting that the unions only focussed on industrial action as a strategy to mobilise workers to protest against the PNC Government’s economic policy, of freezing wages of workers in the sugar, bauxite and other PNC State-controlled sectors. At the period in question, Dr. Gopaul was head of the militant union, the National Agricultural and Allied Commercial Industrial Employees (NAACIE), and became a constant thorn in the side of the PNC Government for its shabby treatment of Guyanese workers. For several decades, he mobilised, organised and agitated for workers’ rights, plunging the nation into a deep struggle for democracy. Dr. Gopaul said that he visited the offices of NAACIE frequently, which resulted in the Union being placed under surveillance. Dr. Gopaul said the PNC Government controlled the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the umbrella body of all the unions, but four unions maintained their independence and fought the dictatorship. These four: NAACIE, the General Agricultural Workers’ Union (GAWU), the Clerical and Commercial Workers’ Union (CCWU) and the University of Guyana Workers’ Union (UGWU) banded together and cooperated to struggle for workers’ rights. These four caused the 1977 and 1979 strikes. The 1977
strike lasted for 135 days, and was called off only after the workers “were brutally beaten into submission,” Dr. Gopaul said. Williams sought to suggest that the two strikes
were interested in were the rights of workers to decent wages and working conditions, along with other workers’ rights.
The late Dr. Walter Rodney paved the way for the tense social atmosphere that resulted in Dr. Rodney’s demise, and kept insisting that the unions engaged in political action, thus creating the platform for countrywide instability. But Dr. Gopaul rejected this, claiming that the unions only focused on industrial action. Williams also sought to shift the perspective of Dr. Gopaul in describing the severity of the PNC rule, to suggest that the four militant unions, along with leaders like Dr. Rodney and others, were agitating to unseat the PNC Government, which was struggling under international economic pressures such as rising oil prices. Dr. Gopaul insisted, however, that all he and the unions
Former Chronicle Senior Reporter fled into self-exile Meanwhile, Former Journalist at the Guyana Chronicle, Leon Saul, confirmed testimonies heard throughout the Commission’s hearings that “… there was heavy handedness in the disciplined force, in holding down dissent and preventing opposition protest.” The “heavy handedness” eventually turned on Saul himself, and so he fled into self-exile, living in Canada from 1981 to his re-migration to Guyana, four years ago. The journalist told the Commission that he faced severe persecution under the PNC regime and that he fled for fear of his life, facing persecution under the Government of the People’s National Congress (PNC), and became a “Political Refugee” in Canada. He re-migrated to Guyana four years ago. Saul was the Chronicle journalist who first reported that a bomb blast had killed Dr. Walter Rodney in Georgetown on the dark night of Friday, June 13, 1980. The night that his report appeared on the front page of the Chronicle, Sunday, June 15, 1980, Saul said, someone called his house and issued a “death threat” against him. He duly told this to his Editor, Eleazor Watson, on the following
day; Watson then promptly replaced Saul on the story. “I could not conduct investigative reporting” into the bomb blast, Saul said. Speculating, Saul told the Commission that it was “possible” Dr. Rodney died at the hands of either the PNC, the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), or even his own party, the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). But under intense cross examination from Ram, Saul said only the PNC State machinery had the resources to carry out such a deadly plot, and cover it up after.
PPP/C tried to get Gregory Smith extradited from Cayenne Meanwhile, Justice Charles Ramson Snr., Commissioner of Information and Former Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs of Guyana, in presenting his testimony before the commission, described the efforts of the first People’s Progressive Party/Civic Administration in 1996 to have Gregory Smith extradited from Cayenne, to face charges regarding the death of Guyanese historian, Dr. Walter Rodney. He explained that because the French territory did not uphold the death penalty, they had initially refused to allow the extradition. The former Attorney General described that he was authorised by then President, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, to write a letter to the then French officials, assuring them that if Smith faced trial, the death penalty would not be implemented on him. This testimony indicated that the Government of Guyana was actively involved and was participating in negotiations with the French authority to have Gregory Smith returned. However, the process did not come to fruition, even though the letter was prepared and sent by the then Attorney General. Ramson, during his testimony, also described that Dr. Rodney had given Burnham an ultimatum to
demit office by December 31, 1979. However, this did not happen and Burnham became Executive President in February of 1980. Describing the “last straw that broke the camel’s back” Ramson pointed to the fact that Burnham, as Head of State, was invited to Zimbabwe to attend a Pan African meeting. However, Dr. Rodney, who was at that time facing a charge of arson, and so was banned from travelling out of Guyana, was present at the same meeting. Dr. Gopaul, Saul, Ramson, the wife of the late Dr. Walter Rodney (Dr. Patricia Rodney), Crime Chief Sr. Supt. Leslie James and Dr. Omawale were among those who testified in this sixth session of the commission. Testimonies at the Commission continue to accumulate, showcasing the history of Guyana that led to the 1978-1980 period, when several political leaders died, while engaging in political struggle, including several WPA members, Dr. Rodney, and Father Darke, a Catholic Priest and Journalist. The testimonies show a PNC State that commanded the heights of the national economy, destroyed the economic livelihood of workers, banned basic food, rigged local and national elections, and denied press freedom and basic human rights to citizens, under a 28-year authoritarian rule, that for the first time is coming under intense scrutiny and microscopic analysis. But the PNC, which is the main party in APNU, in alliance with the WPA, and its Counsel, Williams, who is also an executive member of the PNC and a Member of Parliament for APNU, are attempting to portray a different image of the PNC of 1978-1980; one that was different from what the vast array of evidence at the Commission is revealing. The commission will announce the date for resumption of the hearings in 2015.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Kaieteur News illegal wiretapping
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...Gov’t to seek international help to prove authenticity of recording of AG
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon said that the Administration will be seeking external help to determine the authenticity of the recording, between a Kaieteur News reporter and the Attorney-General, Anil Nandlall. In the interim, Dr. Luncheon said that the President’s support to his Attorney-General has not changed more so as it relates to his tenure. “The President’s position on his Attorney-General and his tenure has not been a matter that lacked clarity from day one.” The Head of the Presidential Secretariat said that, “One would agree that if the instant response by the President is to be given a value that goes beyond the content of the support, but the timing of the declaration of the support that on both grounds instantaneous nature, as well as the content of the President’s support that there is in the
President’s mind where it refers to the tenure of his Attorney General, he enjoys the President’s full support.” Dr Luncheon added that while help is being sought externally, instructions have been given locally for an investigation, as well. “I will be the first to concede the nature of the utterances must have been considered. Our specific reactions have dealt with one, confirmation as to whether the level of manipulation, distortion can be scientifically established.” According to Dr. Luncheon, once this is done, it is his hope that the correct version of the recording will be made available. “Our efforts are minimally two-fold; to investigate scientifically, technologically our concerns of how authentic the content of the recording is, and then you might say in our usual parlance, we have to deal with the fall out of establishing authentic content.” Recently the Kaieteur
Attorney General, Anil Nandlall addressing staff members of the AG Chambers Newspaper has been circulating a recording between its reporter Leonard Gildarie and the Attorney General. Since then, the Attorney General, in a statement said the release of the recording was a betrayal, as it was a private conversation. Minister Nandlall maintained that the audio that was leaked was selected portions of a private conversation which was recorded unknowing to him and which was manipu-
lated, distorted and made public. The AG has since filed a $30M lawsuit against Lall for libel and expressed the hope that the proceedings will examine and determine the legality and authenticity of the recording, as well as the liabilities, if any. “I have no doubt that the appropriate authorities would send the recording for proper forensic analysis…This entire episode has caused me and my family great embarrassment,
and other stakeholders. It saw the participants speaking out in support of Government’s great effort at staving off blacklisting for the country. Members of ARCC highlighted factors that are affecting business growth in Guyana, namely
the political situation, the non-passage of the AntiMoney Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill, the lack of availability of cheap energy and the illegal importation of goods, through the Suriname border. President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), Ramesh Dookhoo however, noted that “they are no longer at the edge of their seats,” referring to Government being able to stave off (for now) blacklisting, by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). “The private sector is not happy, but we are certainly no longer at the edge of our seats. I think Mr. (Anil) Nandlall and the Government of Guyana should be given some credit. I know the President has spent many hours dealing with this situation,” Dookhoo said.
personal distress and tremendous pain. I am truly sorry that you, my political colleagues, and the general public had to endure this highly regrettable ordeal,” he said. This unexpected betrayal, he said has served as a distraction for Guyana at a time when there are significant and substantial issues that require citizens’ collective focused attention. The Legal Affairs Minister said that while the
State has the sacred responsibility for creating and nurturing an enabling environment for a free press, the free press has an equally sacred responsibility to uphold the highest ethical standards as they (reporters) operate in that free environment. He noted that he, like many other members of the public, has fallen victim of an unethical journalist and an unprincipled newspaper, operating in a free environment.
Gov’t lauded for staving off blacklisting by FATF THE National Association of Regional Chambers of Commerce (ARCC) recently held their annual general meeting to elect executive members and voice concerns on issues that are affecting businesses in Guyana.
The meeting held under the theme: ‘Promoting Enterprise throughout Guyana’ at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), attracted representatives of the Upper Corentyne, Rupununi, Linden and Georgetown Chambers of Commerce
Members of the ARCC gathered for the Annual General meeting
Ramesh Dookhoo, President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) addressing members of the ARCC He added that ARCC is a very important body, and that there is too much talk about the economy, coming from people who are not in business. “Too much guess work,” Dookhoo said. “In order for businesses to proceed, for the Government to set the correct infrastructure for businesses to flourish, we must have private sector unity. ARCC has huge potential to complete
the missing gap Guyana has in terms of Regional businesses,” Dookhoo told the attendees, as he urged them to be steadfast in conducting their businesses. Dookhoo also explained that businesses should look to expand into untouched business areas, such as potato farming in the Kanuku See page 28
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Opposition’s reaction to President’s proclamation not ‘unexpected’-Cabinet Secretary AS the PPP/C Administration continues in its effort to bring clarity to the populace, on the President’s proclamation to prorogue the 10th Parliament, Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon has reiterated that the decision was constitutional, and that many of the statements uttered by opposition members are rather misleading, as they relate to the legitimacy of the decision to prorogue parliament. Appearing on the National Communications Network (NCN) programme ‘The 10th Parliament: The Way Forward,’ Dr Luncheon stated that, “The decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament, aroused the worst out of them, most of what, as demonstrated by members of the opposition we must concede it, was not unexpected, indeed they would try to characterise what the President did in the most demonic way and suggest it’s illegal.” Also appearing on the panel were Culture Youth and Sport Minister Dr. Frank Anthony and PPP/C Parliamentarian Dr. Vindhya Persaud. The ironic thing, Dr. Luncheon stated, is the fact that many of the persons who are propagating the line that the decision is illegal are all well learned in the legal fraternity and should know the constitution and what it says about prorogation. “The critical thing about it is that half of these people who have contributed to this hype, many of them are lawyers and literate, and have experience to the issue of prorogation.” Hence, Dr. Luncheon called on Guyanese to see the opposition’s reaction to the President’s decision as no surprise, but a re-
action from a spurned opposition. The Cabinet Secretary added that it is obvious that it is going to take some time for the significance of the President’s intervention to sink in, and for a more mature perspective to be adopted by the Parliamentary Opposition.
position parties are not surprising. Further she called on the senior parliamentarians to give guidance to the younger ones who may not know of this option or to those who are pretending not to. She added that this period should be seen as one for open dialogue which the
fore making the decision to engage in constructive engagement. “I’m saying to the Guyanese don’t invest value beyond this hype, my concern is that you have a collection of representatives of the people … how long would this pretence game continue? How long do we
considered and made his decision.” Meanwhile the panel further conceded that the threats made by some members of the opposition, as well as some statements uttered were all irresponsible. Dr. Persaud said that “We are in a climate where much of the world
Panelists on the programme ‘The 10th Parliament, the way forward’. From left to right: Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, PPP/C Parliamentarian Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon Dr. Anthony also supported Dr. Luncheon’s position as he noted the legitimacy of the President’s decision, saying it is the same constitution that allowed the AFC to table a No-Confidence Motion. Dr. Persaud expressed similar sentiments, noting that the legitimacy of the decision cannot be over emphasised. “Guyana is not unique to this. In Canada this was done. One of the things we ought to do, we all need to understand, that it is a constitutional measure.” Given its legitimacy, Dr. Persaud said the proclamation should not have derived the kind of response it has, as she too stressed the point that the utterances of the op-
PPP/C Administration is open to, as it has always been. Meanwhile speaking of what he deems as irresponsible statements made by members of the opposition, during an illegal sitting in the parliament chambers, following the prorogation, Dr. Luncheon said, “It’s good that they get out the venom, getting it out is good to one’s mental health. I despair this reaction, but I want to recognise its immediacy, what they said was nonsense from the point of view that they all know better.” However, the Cabinet Secretary questioned how long will the combined opposition continue with their pretence game be-
anticipate for them to say that yes, we say what we needed to say and we can engage constructively with the government?” He added that anyone would be foolhardy not to see this coming as it was hinted before in the President’s November 4 address to the nation, and clearly since the combined opposition left the President with no other option. “I don’t believe that there was any possibility that the President in his judgement could not come to any other conclusion. Nothing was said that left the door open, that the November 10th session was more than a humiliation exercise, that is what the President grappled with and
is against violence. Emotions can be fuelled by irresponsible statements; we do not want violence, we can discuss in an intelligent way.” According to her, when statements of a violent nature are made, they send strong messages to people. She reiterated the fact that the parliament provides a forum to debate in the best interest of the country, prorogue in the present circumstance, and to provide a perfect opportunity for meaningful dialogue. Dr. Anthony deemed the utterances as irresponsible and geared to incite violence, but he lauded the citizens who have since shown more maturity than some of
their elected leaders. “While those leaders were being irresponsible, I’m glad that the Guyanese people have acted more responsibly. They have shown that they want to see more mature politics. We have to thank the Guyanese people for their responsibility.” On this topic, Dr. Luncheon said that based on the responses of the Guyanese population, there is no doubt that there may have been a time when statements of that sort may have led to the worst possible outcome. “I think many of us here remember earlier of the 1990s, 2000s and the exhortations that were made, and that were followed-to burn the streets, to engage in civil disobedience-what we have seen so far is the maturity of the listeners, even the constituency of the opposition.” Notably the Cabinet Secretary said the people have shown that they are prepared to be supportive in the parliament and surrounding, but totally unprepared to listen to the rhetoric and act. “Based on security, we have been looking at instances to make pronouncements on what impact those statements by the opposition, what impact they have had, not only on the immediate congregation, but this time around I must admit it seems as if their exhortations have fallen on deaf ears, it’s a sign of maturity.” The Cabinet Secretary called on Guyanese to continue to ignore the calls by those irresponsible leaders, but instead to urge their leaders to put their interest at the forefront and have meaningful engagement.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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Opposition’s angry response to prorogation seeks to divide country by stirring up racial tension and violence PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Governance, Ms. Gail Teixeira, has called on citizens not to take lightly the utterances of members of the Joint Opposition, as these should be seen for what they really are. Following the President’s proclamation, proroguing the Parliament, members of the Combined Opposition held a meeting in the chambers of the National Assembly, where several utterances were made. Their language has been clear and unambiguous, such as Carl Greenidge’s statement about English King Richard 1, losing his head. Then the Leader of the A Party for National Unity (APNU), David Granger, before Monday’s proclamation, had already
Presidential Adviser on Governance, Ms. Gail Teixeira even though he himself helped to fuel it. Some of these comments, Teixeira, as well as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, conceded should not have been allowed and would not have been allowed had it been a legal sitting of the parliament. “A lot was said that should not have been al-
“I know that you are familiar with the history from which this constitution derives its origin and when Charles prorogoued his parliament in 1929. I don’t think he had anticipated the route on which he was setting out. Charles of course was the Stewart King, who lost his head directly as a result of the proroguing.” -Greenidge threatened, making clear his intention to capitalise on the consequences of angry citizens. The language is indeed absolutely inflammable, inciting, and a clear call to violence; it is loud in its call, as it is clear in its intent. This kind of talk is not the expectation of important national leaders, who occupy constitutional office, as is it with Granger. But one should not be surprised at such threats, because the People’s National Congress (PNC) has an ugly track record of resorting to organised mayhem, whenever it cannot get its way. So vitriolic and volatile a situation was being attempted that even the Alliance for Change (AFC) Leader, Khemraj Ramjattan, cautioned against such an extreme,
lowed to be said. They were unrestrained; while the entire event was streamed globally…the accusations were extremely vitriolic and certainly unsubstantiated,” Teixeira said. Speaking to the issue where APNU member Carl Greenidge referred to King
Charles’ losing his head for proroguing parliament, the Government’s Chief Whip said the threats contained within were veiled. “There were many comments made by (Khemraj) Ramjattan, (Moses) Nagamoottoo, (David) Granger and (Carl) Greenidge, that in different ways were veiled threats, threats of violence, and violence against Government, and particularly this one about Charles’ losing his head, because the President prorogued parliament.” Greenidge, during the November 10 meeting in the Parliament Chambers said, “The case of King Charles is an interesting one. I know that you are familiar with the history from which this constitution derives its origin, and when Charles prorogued his parliament in 1929.” He stated: “I don’t think he had anticipated the route on which he was setting out. Charles of course was the steward king, who lost his head directly as a result of the proroguing and the activities that followed from the proroguing.” Greenidge went on even further, warning that investors should not look forward to his party’s support for any agreement, made during the period of prorogation. According to Teixeira, this statement is very irresponsible coming from a party which is always condemning Government, saying that it is not doing
- unleashes threats to investors
AFC Executive Moses Nagamootoo, spurring on APNU protesters outside Parliament after the announcement of Prorogation, on November 10, 2014 enough. She questioned the statement, noting that such a comment can be seen as a threat to potential investors. Teixeira stated that the utterances made by AFC Member of Parliament, Ramjattan, were distasteful and could be seen as inciting racial tension, which is far from what the proroguing of parliament is intended to do. Ramjattan said that, “This PPP is provoking that which could very well be very serious to itself, but they have the spin master… I want to tell especially the East Indian constituents in this country that this is exactly where the PPP wants us and they are going to make the spin. They are going to get their people, if people start demonstrating… they are going to get their people to beat up East Indians,” Ramjattan stated. Teixeira noted that the
Flashback: APNU and AFC supporters blocking the MacKenzie Bridge
“This PPP is provoking that which could very well be very serious to itself; they are playing with violence; they want to provoke us to violence. What the PPP has done is evil and they will not get the support until they call back parliament.” -Ramjattan PPP/C Administration is saddened by the comments made by elected leaders as they should be using this time for constructive engagements. She added that the utterances made in the parliament building are as a result of the President’s proclamation for which the Joint Opposition were evidently not prepared. Teixeira added that she does not want to believe that the members of the combined opposition were not aware of the President’s options given their experience. She and the Prime Minister condemned the protest action that took place outside the public building, saying that the Combined Opposition suggested that the President’s decision can be seen as one to provoke violence, but the actions tell a different story. Some of the protestors, all of whom were dressed in green and showing support to the APNU, stormed the parliament building, pushing away several metal barricades that were set up by the police. She suggested that given the time at which
the proclamation came, the Combined Opposition may have believed that Government would have caved in with the no-confidence motion. Nevertheless, she said that this historic move should be seen as one that is taking Guyana forward, as it provides an opportunity for open dialogue with the opposition parties. The Prime Minister said he is optimistic that that the situation will force open dialogue, and that this would be the best way forward. However, he noted that if this avenue is not explored, then he is confident that the Guyanese people, who have been looking on, will be the better judges later on. “Then let us go to the people, to the masses and let them decide. Over the past 22 years, we have made a good case, and our track record will show that we have brought about development for all Guyanese.” Both the Prime Minister and the Presidential Adviser reminded the general public that the PPP/C Administration is willing to work towards consensus, dialogue and compromise.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
‘Guyana, South America Undiscovered’ unveiled in London
GUYANA, South America Undiscovered, the country’s new destination brand was unveiled during a cocktail reception in the Guyana booth at the World Travel Market (WTM) held from November 3 to 6 in London. It was also unveiled, in all its glory, to a high profile audience, gathered at the Guyana High Commission, on November 7, and again at the Commonwealth Fair on November 8, at the Kensington Town Hall, London. Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh, who headed the Guyanese delegation to WTM, said “Everyone liked the brand and logo… the launch was a tremendous success if you take into account the massive reach that this event has,” he said. Haralsingh explained that GTA recognises the trade show as a very important aspect of its marketing strategy and has continued to attend over the last 13 years. This has resulted in placing Guyana’s tourism product on the world map, in the eyes of consumers and International Travel Operators. The WTM was the per-
fect opportunity for Guyana to continue its outreach to international tourists, noting not only will Guyana reach the UK market, but also buyers from countries all over the world, Haralsingh explained. Guyana was also represented by Wilderness Explorers, Rupununi Trails and Iwokrama at WTM. The WTM is one of the leading travel and trade shows, attracting influential figures in and around the travel industry. These people have the latest insights, know the trends and possess invaluable knowledge, where visitors’ exposure is concerned. Guyana’s booth has hosted a number of events and meetings: the launching of the “Guyana South America Undiscovered” destination brand; hosting of ATLAS travel group; and launching of the ‘Explore Guyana’ Magazine 2015. Repositioning and Rebranding The main purpose of the destination’s rebranding and the accompanying marketing strategy is to help Guyana meet its aspiration of becoming a leading sustainable tourism destination in the Region.
Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Irfaan Ali, did note that Guyana offers the best opportunity to travel to an ‘off the beaten path’and conservation-minded destination; be a part of exceptional nature, experience wildlife and birds in a remote and pristine environment; and intermingle with thriving indigenous and multi-ethnic communities. “It offers visitors many benefits: exploring an English speaking South American destination; discovering our natural attractions; travelling by land, river and air across a never ending stretch of rainforest to see birds, wildlife and giant species; interacting with Amerindian peoples and enjoying multi-ethnic festivals, music and cuisine; and learning about the country’s rich heritage. It is an opportunity to experience vast virgin rainforests, rolling savannahs, mighty rivers and the lively Caribbean coast, all in one trip,” he revealed. Guyana’s New Brand Objectives Guyana is virtually unknown as a tourism destination and cannot be geographically located by most of its potential visitors.
A View of Guyana’s Booth at WTM in London
Guyana’s new brand “Guyana South America Undiscovered” unveiled The purpose of the brand identity and accompanying marketing strategy is to help Guyana meet its aspiration of being a leading sustainable tourism destination in the region. The opportunity Guyana offers to go to an unknown, conservation-minded destination that no one else has visited, to see exceptional nature, experience wildlife and birds in a remote and unsophisticated environment with thriving indigenous and multi-ethnic communities, is a strong selling proposition. The emotional rewards offered to visitors to Guyana add a powerful dimension to the brand. Visitors from the international source markets escaping the stress of their rushed urban lives will feel enriched and excited by experiencing a magnificent natural environment and unusual wildlife in an unknown destination, where they receive a warm welcome and enjoy the relaxed
pace of life. Brand Essence and Expression Guyana’s brand essence can be summarised as: Undiscovered: Magnificent and enriching – vibrant yet serene. The brand essence and personality is expressed through the logo and tagline. The circular logo is serene, a
shape with no beginning and no end. The vibrant green has texture, is multilayered and the transparency allows the viewer to look deeper in to the image of Guyana. South America locates Guyana, and is a destination that conveys natural beauty, rainforest, nature and new cultures. Guyana - ready to be discovered!
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Davis Memorial Hospital opens dental clinic – President assures of continued assistance to religious -based medical institutions THE Davis Memorial Hospital’s Dental Clinic was commissioned on November 16, at which ceremony; President Donald Ramotar pledged to continue government’s assistance to religious - based medical institutions, so that together “we can enhance the quality of health services for all the people of our country”. The President also praised the hospital for its services over the years to those in need. The new facility was opened as part of the activities to mark the Sev-
enth Day Adventist Hospital’s 60th anniversary of medical missionary work, locally. President Ramotar recalled that as a youth he attended Sabbath services in Karia Karia, then went to Sunday School on Sundays, hence he appreciated from an early age the work that the church was undertaking in communities across Guyana. He also recalled when the hospital initially opened, and the reports in the newspapers of the day. The opening of the dental centre was particularly welcomed by the
President Donald Ramotar being given a tour of the state - of -the - art medical equipment at the Davis Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic
President Donald Ramotar cutting the ribbon at the commissioning of the Davis Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic
President who said there was not as much attention being placed on such services, compared to other health issues. He explained that in his view, it helped to prevent many of the other sicknesses that people develop later in their lives. The church and government are in “perfect sync” in terms of assisting those in need, he added. With the biggest portion of the National
Budget used to fund the social sector, President Ramotar said, “We believe that by spending on the social sector, we can touch far more people with the resources of the state”. The fact that the most important factor for any country’s development is the quality of its people was mentioned by the President. The occasion was also used to launch the Dr.
Oliver Pogue Memorial Charity Fund, in honour of the doctor who was instrumental in building the hospital at its current Durban Backlands site. Two family members gave the first contribution of $1 million to the charity. The oldest persons to be delivered by Dr Pogue were honoured, along with long serving staffers and former staffers.
The Davis Memorial Hospital Dental Clinic
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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Irrefutable evidence of caring governance
ANY Government’s tenure in office is characterised by a number of features and highlights. And by these traits, people judge the quality of leadership or governance offered to that country. The PPP/C administration’s dozen years of steering Guyana presents a long list of evident features that have defined its type and quality of governance. Importantly, these are universal indicators of effective and caring governance. The indicators: 1. No rolling back of freedom: the many blatant violent attacks on Guyana’s democracy by the Opposition had led to calls, in some circles, for the curtailment of freedoms. These freedoms resulted from the election of the PPP/Civic. Violent street protests, criminal attacks, race baiting on certain television outfits and the attempted coup on July 3, 2002 (the storming of the Office of the President) have not frightened the Government to reverse any of the ‘hard fought for’ freedoms. Notwithstanding the attempts to destabilise the country and undermine democracy, the Government never entertained any thought of rolling back some of the freedoms. As seen recently, whenever these threats arose in other societies, those Governments have reduced and restricted freedoms. The President has maintained that his Government will not reverse any of the freedoms,
in spite of the constant efforts to cause disruption. 2. Evenhandedness: Resources are allocated in an evenhanded way. There is no discrimination on the basis of political affiliation and ethnicity. Claims of marginalisation by the political Joint Opposition and hate-mongers cannot be substantiated, as the Government has provided access to internal and external independent bodies to investigate these claims. A check of the budgetary allocations shows opposition-controlled local Government bodies, from which the Opposition derives support and receives an equal share of the resources. Opportunities are available to all. A glance at the occupancy of any housing scheme, the list of candidates for scholarship awards and award of contracts, among others, tells this story. 3. Maintaining Unity: The tremendous pressure on the delicate social make-up of the society, if mismanaged, can lead to an eruption of violence and discord. Other states, under similar strains, have virtually descended into social anarchy. The Government has, through its statements and actions, promoted ethnic harmony. In spite of the attempts to rupture ethnic relations, the people, through this responsible leadership, have maintained harmony. The creation of the Ethnic Relations Commission has also reinforced this policy. 4. Economic
Growth: Throughout the twelve- year period, there has been growth in the economy. The management of the economy has led to continued support from international financial agencies. While economies across the hemisphere and globe were collapsing, Guyana remained on the growth path and its currency stayed stable. The effective fiscal and monetary policies, reflected in the current state of the economy are indisputable. Plans are in place for the traditional growth sectors and programmes are there for economic planning. Foreign and local investments in the economy keep growing, and thus providing more job creation opportunities. 5. Social Development: Each community continues to receive a significant level of social development. Schools, health centres and housing schemes are being expanded and built where none exists. In spite of the global depression, leading to a loss of national income, the Government, through its skillful management of the nation’s money, has been able to continue to increase allocations to the social sector. 6. International Respect: Guyana has been removed from the status of a pariah state. No longer is it the laughing stock of the Region and Guyanese are no more objects of derision by citizens from other countries. The name Guyana is no longer synonymous with devastation, de-
Guyanese turn out in their numbers to support the Guyanese cricket team CPL matches held in Guyana
-12 observable indicators
Transformed city of Georgetown struction and dictatorship. Today, the major global powers open their doors to Guyanese leaders. The international community is now more than willing to work with and support the Government. The pre -1992 era left Guyana as a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC); now Guyana is clearly a developing nation. 7. Fighting Corruption: Corruption exists in all societies. Governments are voted out of office due to their lack of political will to fight and/ or prevent corruption in the public sector. For decades in Guyana, one had to bribe or give a “raise” for all common services. This is still attempted by a few, who, when caught, are dealt with condignly. The public recognises that at the level of the Executive, there is the will to prevent and fight corruption. A virtual war has been declared against corruption. Corrupt public officers, when caught, are charged, put before the courts and fired. No evidence of Ministerial involvement in corrupt practices has been provided. And the Integrity Commission is available for all, to report corrupt activities against public officers. The Auditor General’s Department is now a major component in the Government’s policy of clean and transparent governance. Corruption may persist in some areas, but when it is unearthed, the Administra-
tion moves swiftly to weed it out and bring the culpable ones to justice. 8. Poverty Reduction: The resolve to reduce poverty is also evident. Social development and economic growth have allowed for significant efforts to reduce poverty. Already, the level of poverty has been halved over the past dozen years. There is now an internationallysupported poverty reduction strategy. Every year, the National Budget contains policies and measures which contribute to poverty reduction. 9. Inclusiveness: Polices are formulated and major appointments are made with the involvement of all stakeholders. The reformed constitution has now provided a role for Opposition and other stakeholders in the decision-making process at the level of the National Assembly. The inclusive governance policy has seen Opposition representatives on state boards and commissions. To date, many of the opportunities for inclusive governance have not been taken up by the Opposition. The commitment of the Government to dialogue with the Opposition at the level of Parliament is another evidence of the inclusiveness in practice. 10. People’s Involvement: The direct involvement of the public and their contribution to national policies are quite noticeable compared with
many other countries. Cabinet has reached out to communities. At the level of the presidency, there are regular active consultations with communities and this policy of taking government to the people is very alive. 11. Food Security: Food for one’s population is a critical factor in construction a strong, stable and satisfied society. The country’s vast agricultural potential is being realised and Guyana has achieved relative food security. Not only the economic situation has been improved by agricultural growth, but it fulfills a basic need, that is, food for all, that has been satisfied. 12. Rule of Law: The rule of law is supreme. The various agencies of the State are allowed to function in a professional manner. Crimes of all nature: banditry, narcotrafficking, money laundering, and gun-running are being confronted with relative success. There is no state policy to subvert the rule of law. Breaches are not tolerated as there is no political interference in the work of the Judiciary and the law enforcement agencies. Guyana’s record on the maintenance of the rule of law has been lauded. These indicators are not exhaustive in any way; they however point out how effective, caring and practical governance has been.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Government never gave up on Amaila- HPS
HEAD of the Presidential Secretariat (HPS), Dr. Roger Luncheon, said that, “by no means has this Administration ever surrendered its intentions to have renewable energy and erect the Amaila hydropower facility.” Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at the Office of the President on November 12, the HPS said that notwithstanding the roadblocks, imposed by the Parliamentary Opposition, the Administration remains optimistic, especially now with the US $80M that will be made available through the Guyana REDD+ Investment Fund (GRIF). This money will be transferred to the InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), which remains an important player among the stakeholders, involved in furthering the ambitions of the Administration on renewable energy.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Guyana-Norway agreement is undoubtedly a significant feature of Former President Bharrat Jagdeo’s term in Office. “The Norwegians, with whom Guyana executed such an agreement, have held and are holding great promise for Guyana and the world,” he said. Norway assures all of its conviction that Guyana continues to safeguard its forest, a pledge that is inherent in the country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS). Dr. Luncheon said that the post-2015 LCDS engagement with Norway is a matter that enjoys strong support by the Guyana Government, as well as by the Norwegians. Guyana has thus far received US $150M from the promised US $250M. It is anticipated that the balance will
Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon be made available, over the fifth and sixth cycle of payments. “Guyana’s pre-eminence among Caribbean States in the world of climate change is on the basis of the engagement with the Norwegians…this Government remains inflexibly
committed to renewable energy in the form of the hydropower facility at the Amaila Falls,” the HPS affirmed. Guyana is expecting its fourth payment from Norway, in the amount of US $80M, for climate services and continued low defor-
estation. Of this amount, US $35M will go towards the Amaila Falls Hydropower Project. Other disbursement figures read: US $10.8M-land titling; US $8.2M-Amerindian community development projects; US$5.1Msmall and micro-enterprise development; US$0.5Mclimate resilience strategy and action plan; US$1.9M for the Monitoring Reporting Verification System; $US6.4M-institutional strengthening; and US $1.2M-national and international awareness campaigns on the LCDS. The Amalia Falls Hydropower realisation will present the first opportunity for Guyana to tap into its large water resource, to deliver power to its citizens. The project realised would save Guyana Power and Light (GPL) consumers approximately US $3.5B over a period of 20 years; Guy-
ana would also save US$ 90M on fuel importation and additionally, the country’s reliance on fossil fuel would be reduced by approximately 90 percent. However, the Joint Opposition went the ‘extramile’ to prevent this project from going forward, distorting the facts, and voting against the project in the National Assembly. Their boisterous machinations eventually led to investors (in the project) pulling out and hence the process of realising hydro-power for Guyana was delayed. The Amaila project however, remains the flagship of Government’s medium and long-term strategy for the electricity sector in Guyana, and Government remains committed to the realisation of this transformative project that will benefit and support all Guyana.
Norway team satisfied with its partnership with Guyana Government
THE partnership on stakeholder apclimate and forests proach to sector between Guyana and development iniNorway continues to tiatives, and in this be advanced and on regard he outlined November 4 and 5, a the integral role high level delegation of the ministry’s from the Governcooperation with ment of Norway visthe private sector. ited Guyana and met Minister Persaud with President Donald identified key priRamotar, Minister of orities, such as Natural Resources the improvement and the Environment of technology and Robert Persaud, Minmining practices, ister of Finance Dr. as important to asAshni Singh, Minissisting miners, and ter of Foreign Affairs shifting away from Carolyn Roderiguesthe use of mercury Birkett and officials and to improve from the Office of the the recovery efPresident. ficiency of mining President Donald Ramotar meeting with a team from Norway; also in photo are Minister The visit came of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, Minister of Foreign Affairs Carolyn Rodrigues- Birkett, and operations. shortly after the formal He also alluded Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud announcement by the to increasing uping, the Norwegian team and Verification System further advance Guyana’s Governments of Guytake by industry’s spoke with Natural Re- (MRVS), and information work on EITI. ana and Norway, on the adoption of new technolosources Minister Persaud, sharing and access on Minister Persaud also release of the 4th Payment gies, such as centrifuge on a number of priority relevant areas, including shared the ministry’s viunder the partnership, systems, which can inareas, on natural resourc- concession and licence sion for the future develwhich saw US$35M becrease recovery rates in es management. Among issuance. opment of the Natural ing approved for payment mines from 30 to 80 perthese were the continued At the meeting, Min- Resources and Environinto the Guyana REDD+ cent, compared with tradiadvancement of work ister Persaud presented to mental sector and spoke of Investment Fund (GRIF). tional practices. under the Extractive In- the Norwegian team, the the strategic plan for the Guyana has earned $150 The Norwegian team dustries Transparency Pre-inception Report on sector; this plan is about to million under the partneralso held engagements Initiative (EITI), contin- EITI and expressed the be finalised. ship thus far. with the agencies under ued work on REDD+ and Government of Guyana’s He explained the imDuring the meetthe Ministry of Natural the Monitoring Reporting continued commitment to portance of taking a multi-
Resources and the Environment, including the Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), and the Guyana Lands and Survey Commission (GLSC). These meetings allowed for detailed technical discussions on other priority areas under the Guyana Norway Partnership, including EU Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade (EU FLEGT), and the Independent Forest Monitoring, Forest Carbon Partnership Facility. Over the two-day mission, the Norwegian team also met with various civil society stakeholders, including indigenous peoples’ organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, as well as the Leader of the Opposition, David Granger, and members of his shadow Cabinet. The mission closed with a field trip to the Cunha Canal and Santa Mission Amerindian Village.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
French company doubles local storage facility
AS investors continue to show confidence in Guyana’s economy, a leading supplier of premium aviation fuel in Guyana has doubled its storage capacity here. The French company, which operates in over 10 Caribbean countries, has commissioned an additional five fuel storage tanks at Providence, East Bank Demerara. The company commissioned a 30,000-barrel diesel and four, 60,000-gallon LPG tanks, an investment of US$5 million, Rubis’ Chief Executive Officer, Mauricio Nicholls said. The CEO said that the company values having a strong relationship with the Government of Guyana, and the opportunity to be able to invest in the country. He
noted that within the three years that the French company first came, it has set up operations in Guyana, investing between US$7.5 to 8M in its operations. The storage tanks are a valued investment by the company in Guyana. Nicholls explained that the company has invested significant amounts in Guyana because, “We believe that this is a very strategic market for us, because we see the facility for growth, because we know that we can generate returns on our investment and because we are committed to the concept of reliable supply and service to our customer base.” Nicholls pointed out that the investment also represents a commitment to ensuring reliable supply
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Chief Executive Officer of Rubis, Mauricio Nicholls, being assisted with the symbolic ribbon cutting
Rubis’ fuel tanks
New GPHC ward commissioned to ease overcrowding
THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on November 14, commissioned the southern section of its $94M new wing. The facility, which is equipped with 39 beds, will be used to house patients in situations of overcrowding in the hospital. This section of the unit was established at a cost of approximately $38M and has separate areas for the
housing of male and female patients. GPHC’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan, during the commissioning ceremony, noted that this section of the building will be utilised for patients from the general and orthopaedic wards. He also noted that the northern section of the unit, which is equipped with 57 beds (bringing the total number of beds to 96),
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has been identified for the housing of emergency patients, when there is overcrowding at the Accident & Emergency (A&E) unit, along with other patients. However, this section has not yet been commissioned, as part of it has been identified as the isolation unit, set up by the hospital, in light of preparation for the Ebola virus threats.
of its service in Guyana. He explained that reliable supplies sometimes become a challenge, mainly for the fact that refineries that supply Rubis are not as reliable and dependent as they should. He added that this may also be due to other factors such as operational, mechanical, dealing with an unreliable supplier by sourcing from other refineries-these all take time, since they are not nearby; hence, there are also the logistical challenges. Nicholls noted that despite the constraints, if the Demerara River is dredged, this would help. He also pointed to the fact that if
easier ingress and egress for vessels is allowed near the terminal, it would be more helpful for the company and the buyers. He expressed the hope that a solution would be found which would work for Rubis. Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, meanwhile said that good things are happening in Guyana. He said that after Esso and other gas stations left Guyana, the Caribbean and some parts of Latin America in the late part of the first decade of this century, he was relieved to hear that Rubis was taking over the operations. He extended his per-
Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran along with Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan among staff of the facility cutting the ribbon to commission the plant
sonal appreciation and that of the Government to Rubis for investing in Guyana. Prime Minister Hinds speculated that these gas stations may have left Guyana and other closely related areas because of the market sizes, and as well as social and political changes. “The Government (and for the years I have been with it) has been maintaining an open door of welcome to all investors, regardless of their nationality, religion and race. Whosoever would come and are prepared and ready to come into Guyana and to fit into our system and be a lawful and good citizen, we welcome them!” the Prime Minister said. He added that when companies come into Guyana, it is not the Government of Guyana that does the selection, but rather the companies that select Guyana as a place in which to invest. He added that the incentives are standard, and explained that local and foreign companies enjoy the same packages for similar kinds of investments. He stated that large investments require huge commitments and the Government’s investment packages for large investments reflect this fact.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed�
Three main markets benefit from rehabilitation works
AS was promised under the $500 M city cleanup exercise, La Penitence, Stabroek and Bourda markets have benefitted from some rehabilitation works. At La Penitence Market, several lighting fixtures have been replaced, and in instances where there were no lights, new ones were installed. A sanitary block at the facility is also under rehabilitation, as vendors had raised that concern with the Minister of Local Government, during an earlier visit. Also, works have been completed on several external and internal drains in the market. In addition, the Ministry of Local Government has also undertaken to construct a concrete tarmac, obliquely opposite La Penitence Market. This spot was used in the past as an illegal dump site and a storage area for stalls when not in use.
Bourda Market also benefitted from the installation of lighting fixtures and lights, and in some instances, new lights to sections of the facility. Drainage works are also ongoing at that market facility, while the de-silting of the Orange Walk Canal is expected to commence shortly. Repairs and installation of lights were also completed at the Stabroek Market. The Minister had given an undertaking to the vendors that solid waste receptacles for the different facilities would be provided. This initiative was catered for under the $500 M City Cleanup Campaign exercise, which promises to see several parts of the city cleaned, canals and sluices cleared and rehabilitated, and more capacity building among agencies responsible for maintaining the aesthetics of the city.
Stabroek market
Bourda market
President receives courtesy call from United States, four-star General
US Army 4 star General, David Kelly meeting President Donald Ramotar during a courtesy call
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar received a courtesy call from visiting United States, four-star General, John Kelly and other US military officials, accompanied by Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Chief-of-Staff, Brigadier Mark Philips. The visit to Guyana came as the GDF celebrated its 49th anniversary, with a series of activities. The United States has been a long time partner of the GDF, conducting numerous joint training exercises and exchange visits of officers and other ranks. The US has also offered various local ranks the chance to train at several of its prestigious military centres, and Guyana has reciprocated by offering courses to that country’s military, at its Jungle Warfare Training School at Makouria, Essequibo. The US military has also conducted several humanitarian missions in various communities across Guyana and continues to provide equipment to its local counterparts.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
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Government commits to making Guyana CFATF compliant GOVERNMENT will continue to work with all the stakeholdersthe private sector and significantly the international community-to make the country ready and to avoid black listing. “That is all we can do as a Government,” Attorney-General and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall stated, in an interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA.) The Attorney-General recently represented Guyana at the Paris meeting of the Financial Ac-
tion Task Force (FATF), where Guyana’s financial status was examined. After putting forward Guyana’s case and its political peculiarities, the decision was taken to grant an extension to Guyana for Government to get itself in compliance with the regulations of the international financial body. The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Caribbean Bankers Association and many other international and regional bodies, along with the local private sector members have called on Guyana, to pass the
outstanding Bill, and so become compliant, all in the interest of trade in the region. Minister Nandlall explained that, “many are calling for the Bill to be passed; the only persons who don’t seem interested in passing the Bill are the 33 members who sit on the other side of the Parliament.” Despite many pleas and several interventions by the groups mentioned, the opposition members have refused to support the internationally accepted legislation. “In Guyana, we have
a unique situation where the Government is prepared to implement the legislation, is prepared to implement the measures, but Parliament is unprepared,” he said. The Attorney General, under President Ramotar’s directive has implemented regulations, guidelines and ministerial directives, as he is empowered to do, under the Principal Act; however these measures cannot be enforced as they do not have the force of law. In May, Guyana was referred to the Americas Regional Review Group
(ARRG) to be subjected to a targeted review. Together, the AARG and the Government of Guyana worked out an action plan for the country to rectify the technical deficiencies currently in its existing anti-money laundering legislation. That action plan was worked out over the last three months and concluded in Miami in September. Minister Nandlall said that the plan outlines what has to be done and in what time frame. Guyana has also implemented all of the non-legislative measures, including the
establishment of the Special Organised Crime Unit (SOCU), the supervisory authorities, and the reporting entities. If blacklisted, then automatically Guyana will become a destination that will pose great risks to countries and foreign businesses as such; it will have limited access to international trade and international financing. There is a strong chance that Guyana will be placed on the blacklist if the Bill is not passed before FATF’s next meeting in October 2015.
Members of Labour, Religious bodies reiterate calls for dialogue
MEMBER of the Inter Religious Organisation (IRO), Reverend Ronald Mc Garrell, has given strong support to Head of State, Donald Ramotar; Reverend Ronald Mc Garrell has now added his voice for the necessity of dialogue, as the way forward, to address the parliamentary situation. This is the same call that President Ramotar, from inception, has been sounding. President Ramotar prorogued the Parliament on November 10, and since then, the Joint Opposition have said that they are not going to engage in dialogue with the President. Speaking on the National Communication Network’s (NCN) programme, “The 10th Parliament, the way Forward,” Reverend Mc Garrell stressed the need for the Political Opposition to find common ground and that some concession will have to be made, in order to bring the best results that are needed to move Guyana forward. “If there is no discussion then we will not get anywhere; it’s very fright-
ening if we don’t talk, (and) I think the opposition parties should reconsider their position.” Mc Garrell said he is of the strong belief that there are capable individuals in the local society, who can bring both sides (Opposition and Administration) together for dialogue. “If we continue to do this (oppose the PPP/C), Guyana will lose in the end, we hope we make a breakthrough sooner than later...we owe it to our children and descendants, to build an ideal nation. This business of fighting, the politicians will need to realise it’s not their country, and it belongs to all of us.” Similar sentiments were expressed by Trade Unionist Carvil Duncan, who noted that when President Ramotar made his decision to prorogue the 10th Parliament, he was merely opening the door, as he always does, for dialogue. “What he did is primarily out of a desire to have a better Guyana and where Guyanese can reap the fruits of their labour, by seeing Guyana devel-
Carvil Duncan oping. One needs to see that the President was very tolerable...” Duncan noted that even in provocation, the President has always responded by saying that there is need for dialogue, in the interest of Guyana, once the two opposition groups are prepared to put Guyana first. “Closed doors can’t help. If one understands history well, Hitler did everything in the world and after the war he still had to sit and talk; with dialogue, you can reach consensus, and you can move the process forward, and I think what the President intended to do is give
Speaker Raphael Trotman has written to the Commonwealth Secretary General, seeking his intervention in finding a solution to the situation. President Donald Ramotar in response to the same issue said his Reverend Ronald first preference Mc Garrell would be for Guyanese leadGuyanese an opportunity ers to work out the issue to resolve the problem.” Duncan also called on internally. Meanwhile Ms. Manthe Private Sector and other sections of civil society ickchand said she is confito call on their leaders to dent that Guyana has peodo what is right in the best ple who are quite capable of working out this situainterest of all Guyanese. Meanwhile Minister of tion peacefully and in the Education Priya Manick- interest of the citizens. “We should try ourchand has described the Speaker of the National selves first. If you have Assembly’s call for exter- to call in people it means nal mediators in the cur- you don’t have confidence rent parliament situation in our people to solve our as unpatriotic. The Min- own problem and that is ister was also speaking at unpatriotic.” The Minister cautioned the same forum with Dunthat the Guyanese people can and Mc Garrell. With mere days elaps- showed their confidence ing since the President’s in their leaders whom they proclamation to prorogue voted for at the last electhe 10th Parliament, tion; therefore by calling
for external help is simply showing that the leaders are not capable of serving their people’s best interest. She also echoed sentiments expressed by her fellow Cabinet members that the President’s decision is constitutional, even as she rubbished claims by the Speaker of the National Assembly, who is seeking to suggest the contrary. Minister Manickchand noted her disappointment by the utterances of the Speaker, as he has knowledge of legal issues and is au fait with the Constitution. Further, Minister Manickchand called on the Guyanese public to continue to show their maturity and not to yield to calls by members of the opposition for street demonstration. “I can’t say for sure that the opposition parties will accept the invitation for dialogue, but we have a duty to create an environment for dialogue to take place; the nation is important and the President’s duty was to create that space for dialogue.”
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Guyana joins regional neighbours to create National Risk Communication Strategy to address Ebola
IN preparation for the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), Guyana joined with approximately 30 of its regional neighbours, during a Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) workshop. This was to share the country’s experience and work together on developing a National Risk Communication Strategy (NRCS). The three-day workshop, held at the Crane Resort, St. Philips, Barbados sought to strengthen national capacity for emergency risk communications, in the respective countries along with their bilateral partners. Approximately 100 participants from the Caribbean attended the workshop, including national epidemiologists, officials in charge of risk communication at the Ministry of
Health, Government Information Services Officers, Chief Medical Officers, the United Nations (UN) Agencies, the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and representatives from Ministry of Tourism or tourism boards in the various countries. Guyana was represented by Dr. Morris Edward and Dr. Collin James of the Ministry of Health along with Angela Hoyte of PAHO’s Guyana office and a representative of the Government Information Agency (GINA) Shivanie Rampersaud. The workshop allowed for the threading of knowledge, skills, and practice and planning, using adult learning techniques. The focus was on providing updates on current and potential risks to people’s health, such as influenza-like illness/pandemic, dengue
THE traditional Christmas Kettle launched by the Salvation Army saw President Donald Ramotar, giving the first donation to the charitable cause. The President delivered the feature address as the annual appeal for public donations by the religious based organisation began as the festive season got underway, at the Georgetown Club on November 14. President Ramotar said the Salvation Army has somewhat similar objectives to government in that it helps the poor, and vulnerable. He noted that the Education Grant Programme, which resulted in him visiting Paramakatoi in Region Eight on November 12, is one such example. “It is to assist children in school so that they can have the possibility of having a sound education and able
to help themselves in many regards”. The fact that only Guyana and Bolivia have a non-contributory state pension was also highlighted by the president. The help that the Salvation Army is giving to the vulnerable such as rehabilitating drug addicts was also praised by the President. “It is one of the best types of help that I can think about, it gives them the capacity to be able to help themselves, and in the process to help others”. It is also good that during this time of peace and goodwill, he said, that “we should have these activities to help put some light in the lives of many people who have fallen on bad times.” Giving brief remarks, Divisional Commander, Major Emmerson Cumberbatch said that in addition to the core churches that
haemorrhagic fever, Chikungunya, and Ebola Virus Disease (EVD); this was to strengthen national risk communications capacity, and build on efforts made to establish and maintain compliance with the International Health Regulations (IHR), and the 20142016 National Extension Action Plans, and the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework. Areas of focus also included the 21st Century Challenges to risk communication, applying the principles of emergency risk communication, dealing with the media and social media in emergencies, pandemic communications response-lessons learnt, developing a National Risk Communications strategy and plan and best practices of a systematic approach. The sessions allowed for a lot of interaction
A group photo of participants and facilitators of the workshop among the participants: describing and analysing the major challenges to effective emergency risk communications; developing clear communications outcomes; using audience analysis and segmentation tools; developing simple strategies to deal with perceptions and misperceptions in emergencies; constructing talking points; sounding bites and
key messages to use with a variety of stakeholders; describing what the media want and need; as well as dealing with media requests with more confidence. As a result of the training sessions, participants are now expected to show the benefits from the re-invigoration of pandemic communications in countries and territories in the Caribbean
sub-region, strengthen collaboration amongst staff from different units and sectors contributing to pandemic communications and emergency risk communications in the sub-region, revise, update, and consolidate existing risk communications strategies and plans in countries and territories in the Caribbean sub-region.
President Ramotar makes first donation as Salvation Army’s Christmas Kettle is launched
President Donald Ramotar makes a donation to the Salvation Army’s Christmas kettle the Salvation Army operates, it also has several other initiatives including a feeding programme. “It is important that we feed them before we administer to their souls”. He highlighted that the or-
ganisation operates a halfway house, a hostel and drug rehabilitation centre. He explained, “Our mission dear friends is to save souls, and after we have them saved, our aim is to better them”.
Officers of the Salvation Army will be stationed by strategic locations near popular stores and businesses as they solicit donations from the general public to fund their charitable programme.
Government provides a subvention for the organisation’s drug rehabilitation programme, but it is dependent on the good will of the general public to support its various initiatives.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Gov’t to bridge some city canals for parking to ease traffic congestion
IN light of the influx of thousands of vehicles on the roadways and many more expected, Government has agreed to bridging some of the canals in Georgetown, and using these as parking areas to aid the traffic congestion. Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon said Cabinet has given its approval for public consultation to begin with regards to new parking facilities around the city. He said the Avenue of the Republic, and the South Road /Croal Street canals were identified for introduction of this initiative. The Cabinet Secretary noted the recent disclosure by the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) that within one year, 9,999 new vehicles had been registered under the PSS registration licencing number series. He noted that it is in that context, the PTT series has commenced which now means the country will be
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Congested Streets of Georgetown confronted with the influx of new vehicles that continue unabated and the predictable consequences of congestion and parking. “It is in that context that Cabinet has favourably considered the proposal from the Minister of Hous-
ing and Water for the nonpermanent covering/bridging of main canals to allow its removal for cleaning dredging and desilting purpose, but at all other times for parking,” Dr Luncheon said. “Cabinet’s support in-
cluded a call for the minister to have and to organise public consultations among stakeholders on this initiative.” Further, the Cabinet Secretary noted that he is confident that the consultation will commence shortly
and progress smoothly. “The minister, as we all know, is a man of action and the entities in the cluster in his sector are also entities known for the rather avid approach to dealing with Cabinet instruction.” Once the consultations
are completed with favourable responses from all stakeholders, then the Cabinet Secretary noted that it would be time to work out the ‘physics’ of how to construct nonpermanent, load bearing support for those vehicles.
Roberts explained that at present, additional trawlers to catch sea-bobs are no longer allowed to do so. “We work closely with the trawler association. We had a negotiation in which we did a reduction of the fleet. Vessel monitoring systems have been installed on them as well,” Roberts explained. These measures follow a recent stock assessment on the sea bob species during which it was found to be fully exploited. A healthy stock level is expected to be maintained with the completion of these efforts. In addition, Turtle Excluder Devices are be-
ing placed on fish nets to allow turtles to escape in the event they are caught. This is a requirement by the United States market to protect the lives of sea turtles. Further, US officials would continually visit Guyana to inspect the operations and at times provide some training to crews and captains. Attempts are being made to acquire the Marine Stewardship Council certification, which is similar to an eco-label. This certificate would state that Guyana is practicing sustainable harvesting. Roberts said the minis-
try is also putting fathom lines or depth lines in place to minimise disputes between artisanal and trawler fishermen. “The artisanal fishermen would go up to a certain point, the sea bob up to a certain point and the prawns a little bit out. So what would normally happen is that sometimes you have conflicts between the trawlers and artisanal, so the fathom line would ensure that everyone keeps in their zone,” he further explained. Another measure that is being looked at is the Harvest Control Rule which would indicate a limited amount of days
per year to fish. “We also have implemented the Bycatch Reduction device on the nets. This will help reduce the catching of fishes allowing trawlers to focus on shrimps,” Roberts said. He added that in the past there were a lot more resources in the sea and more to be caught, but now, “the amount of catches is like a roller coaster sometimes. This is due to the reduction of the stocks in the sea.” In 2002, the fisheries act was updated and last year there was an updated Fisheries Marine Management Plan which is valid
up to 2020. An Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries policy and strategic plan was also drafted. The marine and the aquaculture regulations are being created because, and whilst there are less stringent measures for ocean fish to enter the overseas markets, fish from farm have to be tested for pesticides and other chemicals, Roberts said. These regulations will help Guyana to put the systems in place to be able to export to markets where there is a demand, especially the European market.
Agriculture Ministry implements measures to ensure fisheries sector’s sustainability
WITH the decline in marine stocks globally, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Department is implementing various measures to ensure the sector continues to contribute to Guyana’s development. During a recent interview with the Government Information Agency (GINA), Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts said, “the marine sector of fisheries in under global pressure, the stocks are diminishing and we have introduced a number of measures to reduce the pressure.”
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
HIV positive mothers now giving birth to HIV free babies
HUMAN Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) has been one of the world’s most worrisome diseases and was indeed quite a problem in Guyana. One of the greatest fears of expected mothers, primarily those who have contracted the disease, is that of passing it on to their babies. However, expected mothers in Guyana no longer have to carry the fear of this burden. This is because in 2001, the Government of Guyana, in recognising this problem, put in place a ‘Pilot Prevention’ of ‘Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT)’ project. This project commenced in the two regions with the greatest burden of HIV infection and 11 sites in the city. Today, growth has seen sites established in all of the 10 Administrative Regions of the country, numbering approximately 187 sites countrywide. At the start of the program in 2001, there was an uptake of
67% of women accessing antenatal services; to date there is an uptake rate of more than 97%. PMTCT interventions commenced under the National Aids Programme Secretariat (NAPS), but are now fully integrated into the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program and are thus fully linked with Safe Motherhood initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Health. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has also been identified as the lead agency for PMTCT in Guyana and has assisted the Government in developing Strategic Plans on the issue. Prior to this, Guyana was one of the countries most affected by HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean, where the HIV prevalence rate in the ante-natal setting had been estimated between 2-3 %. Through the successful implementation of this project, Guyana has now been recognized, as having one of the most suc-
cessful PMTCT programs and is actually one of three countries being pitched on the Global Website, to raise money for the general funding for PMTCT. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is also called prenatal or vertical transmission. This occurs when virus is spread from an HIV positive woman to her baby, during pregnancy, labor and delivery, or breastfeeding. A positive woman, who is not receiving treatment for HIV, stands about 25% risk, during pregnancy, of passing the virus to her child, during labor and delivery and at an additional 12% chance of transmission, if she breastfeeds her infant. MTCT reduction & treatment Advances in treatment and new classes of drugs have provided the opportunity to greatly reduce rates of MTCT worldwide. However, these advances have not made their way to developing countries,
- major success story for Guyana
to the extent that is needed, and the root cause of MTCT has still been left untreated, mainly heterosexual HIV transmission. The best way to prevent MTCT is to prevent HIV transmission in the mother and father. In order to reduce MTCT, all pregnant women should have access to prenatal care and voluntary HIV testing and counseling. According to Dr. Wolford, if a pregnant woman is HIV positive, she should have access to antiretroviral treatment, both to treat HIV and improve her own health, and to decrease the chances of HIV infection in her infant. Treatment options for preventing MTCT include giving antiretroviral drugs to the mother, after the first trimester of pregnancy and during labor, and to her infant for the first six weeks of life. MTCT can be further reduced to less than 2%, if a woman is on antiretroviral drugs, has a low viral load, follows the recommended MTCT treatment regimen and does not breastfeed. HIV positive Mothers and breastfeeding Breastfeeding is usu-
ally the healthiest choice for both infants and mothers. However, HIV transmission can occur during breastfeeding, with chances of transmission, increasing the longer the infant is breastfed. 10-20% of HIVinfants breastfed by positive mothers will become infected. It is recommended that positive mothers do not breastfeed, but use formula feeding, that is 100% safer, well accepted and readily available. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that these individuals avoid all breastfeeding when replacement feeding is “acceptable, feasible, affordable, sustainable and safe.” Otherwise, exclusive breastfeeding (not combined with formula feeding) is recommended during the first months of life. Training To strengthen capacity and create more sensation on the issue, the Ministry of Health has been and continues to provide training for health works and the strengthening of the curriculum. The administration is working towards integrating the MTCT programme into
pre-service health care and to provide training for midwives, health visitors, medex, nurses and nursing assistants. This is being monitored by a National Oversight committee, comprising numerous partners of the Ministry of Health, providing them with advice in the area of progress towards achieving their goals. Prevention HIV is a preventable disease. MTCT is best prevented by effective, accessible and sustainable HIV prevention, diagnosis and treatment programs for women, men and their children. All expected mother are advised to have their HIV status checked. History of MTCT Worldwide in 2001, some 1.8 million women became infected with HIV. Approximately 800,000 children were also infected, the majority of them via MTCT. A large proportion of people newly diagnosed with HIV worldwide are between the ages of 15-24 years old. A very important component of MTCT prevention must be HIV prevention for young people, especially
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
GPHC commissions $34.5M water treatment plant THE Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), on November 14, commissioned a $34.5M water treatment plant, in order to provide safer water for both patients and staff at the facility. According to the corporation’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Michael Khan, this plant which is currently providing 300,000 bottles of water daily for the facility, will pay for itself in approximately two to three years’ time. The CEO added that a plant technician has been appointed to oversee and ensure the proper maintenance of equipment.
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Minister of Health Dr. Bheri Ramsaran complimented the staff of the facility, for their hard work. He expressed gratitude to the corporation’s administration, for the continued efforts to update the hospital and its services. He pointed out that there are many other transformative projects ongoing at the facility, and with time, these will be unveiled. The renal (dialysis) facility, at the institution, is one of the several health units at the GPHC, on which there will be a direct impact by the plant, since the water is necessary to carry out day-today functions.
Staff of the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation looking on as a technician explains parts of the machinery and their functions
Opposition wears perfectly ... Letter from page 6 con’t.
ambits: “Now, therefore, in exercise of the power conferred upon me by Article 70(1) of the Constitution, I do hereby prorogue the Tenth Parliament of Guyana on 10th day of November, Two thousand and Fourteen.” As per law, the proclamation was published in the Official Gazette, as is required under the General Clauses of the Laws of Guyana, Chapter 10: 0, Section 21. Speaking during a television programme, on the National Communications Network, titled “The 10th Parliament and the Way Forward,” AG Nandlall exhorted on the possibilities, that the Joint Opposition may not have been prepared; or that they were unable to sense that prorogation would have been an option for Government. The AG is being mild (I think) in his analysis. For me, the both APNU and AFC are so steeped
in animosity that their legal acumen is not kicking in; it seems frozen, fossilized, or even worst-totally lacking. By way of informing, prorogation is a (temporary) suspension of the sittings of the National Assembly. Dissolution, on the other hand means termination; this would have been the irreversible consequence of the No-Confidence Motion that the two opposition groups had in mind. I get the impression that these people are giddy and in a daze; they cannot be that dumb not to be able to understand simple legal and layman’s English. As for evil intentions and the whole topic of ‘dictatorship’ and being ‘undemocratic,’ what about the “our way or no way” stand as regards dialogue with Government? Many times the opposition made calls for dialogue, claiming that they are interested there in-well now is a good opportunity for them to deliver. Instead what the nation is getting are actual threats. The
opposition is calling for protests, cleary showing a side that is wholly different from that of PPP/C. It should be recalled that when the idea of the No-Confidence Motion was posited, the PPP/C did not resort to threats and promises of disruption via protest actions. The PPP/C in fact recognised this constitutional provision and respected it; no less should be expected of the opposition at this time. Mr. Editor, I am glad that parallel to Guyana’s economic and infrastructural progress is the ever increasing maturity of the people. The people know that it would be foolish to resort to rashness and indiscretion, and for an unjustified cause too. Guyana has come a far way and the whims and fancies of a few peeved souls should not be allowed to galvanise any form of support. So far so good-I hail my fellow Guyanese.
A section of the newly commissioned water treatment plant
Rupert Roopnarine’s assault on ...
From page 6 rational can supposedly sane minds become, particularly when in political concubinage? And just look with whom! Roopnarine would have experienced those dark days when newsprint material had been denied the People’s Progressive Party, then in opposition; when the Catholic Standard suffered the same punishment for opposing the brutal dictatorship, and its editor the late Father Andrew Morrison harassed. He would have known about the evil murder of Father Bernard Irshad Abrahim. Darke, a photo journalist
who worked with the Catholic Standard paper. This politician needs no reminding as to what a free press means – it is about the right of disseminating information to all, and from all publishing houses of myriad opinions. This translates further into the publication of viewpoints that may not find favour with a particular political party and its agenda. Yet, free expression mandates such to be published, without threats of reprisals of the type, advocated by this WPA chieftain, who is also
A Party for National Unity’s (APNU) deputy leader. Such an expression, from this particular personality, highlights even further, the continuous contradictions of politicians who are prepared to sell their principles for opportunism. These are the chameleons that cannot be trusted! What a cruel denigration and ridicule of all that the renowned opposer of the Burnham dictatorship, Dr Walter Rodney, would have sacrificed, even his life! John De Freitas
Email letters to: ginagovgy@gmail.com
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Road Safety Month being observed education, enforcement must be used to address road fatalities-Minister Rohee
THE Guyana National Road Safety Council (GNRSC) in collaboration with the Guyana Police Force (GPF) and the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched National Road Safety Month 2014 under the theme “The time is now! Don’t drink and drive. Stay attentive drive defensive.” Despite the numerous calls and educational activities, to inform road users to adhere to the rules of the road, this year’s road fatalities so far are not suggestive of compliance and improvement. Speaking at the launch, held opposite Parliament Building, Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, said that road safety must be looked at
in a more holistic way and must see the involvement of the force, stakeholders, the religious community, schools and every other citizen. The Minister noted that Guyana’s transportation sector is vastly developing, and as this is happening, road accidents are equally challenging and are becoming increasingly alarming: “It’s not only a question of the transport sector and the roads as an infrastructural aspect to facilitate transport, it’s the environmental, road safety and a whole host of other issues come together to create these challenges, and that is why it’s important to look at these issues holistically,” the Minister explained. Minister Rohee further
noted that the degree of lawlessness, recklessness and carelessness that has been occurring, not only in the city, but across the region, must be dealt with, and education and enforcement must go hand-in-hand in this regard. Notwithstanding all the efforts by the GPF and the GNRSC, there are still a high number of persons breaching the road laws and the force will be increasing the number of ticketed offences and will be implementing measures to ensure persons pay their tickets. He said that the ministry will also be dealing with the music cart operators, as they are becoming a nuisance in society. Prime Minster Samuel Hinds, who was also in at-
Contracts awarded for supplies to sustain clean environment -after national clean-up is completed
CONTRACTS have been awarded to various firms to ensure Guyana be clean, after the completion of the ‘Clean up My Country’ campaign, as the Government strives for a clean and healthy environment for all citizens. Under the ‘Cleanup my Country’ programme, several items were advertised to be procured, to enhance the capacity of Local Government Authorities to aid in the Regional Solid Waste management programme. It is intended that the cleanup programme be sustained after it comes to an end on December 31. For the supply of 45 tractors and trailers, GENEQUIP was awarded the contract, at a total cost of $256,050,000. AINLIM was given a $1M contract to supply a flat trailer; while MACORP was given the contract valued $44, 835, 000, to supply five mini-excavators. Additionally, S. Jagmohan Hardware Supplies and Construction Services was contracted to supply a skid steer loader valued $5,8M; and DAX Contracting is to supply 142 skip metal bins valued approximately $33.2M. Tractors will be delivered to specific locations within the NDCs, in an effort to address the issue of indiscriminate dumping of waste. For communities where there is need for household receptacles, Puran Brothers will supply 5500 barrels and 600,000 garbage bags, at a total cost of $65.8M. For the completion of Phase 2 Landfill site Access Road, Zorg-en-Hoop, J.B Brothers was awarded the contract at a total cost of $6.852M. The scope of the work includes grading and shaping of 1350 square foot of maiden road, constructing base/sub-base grading and shaping of shoulders. A total contract cost of $412, 537,425 is being invested by the Government of Guyana. Minister of Local Government and Regional Development, Norman Whittaker, congratulated the representatives of the various companies. “I have no doubt that you will deliver quality stuff in a timely manner and help us to meet that timeline that we have given to the Guyanese nation. We promise to deliver on this project by December 31.”
Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee and Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn, engaging students of St. Stanislaus College, at the launch of National Road Safety Month tendance called for a more holistic approach by the relevant agencies, in order to lower the accident rate. He pointed out that the issue of road fatalities must be something that everyone needs to worry about and urged that road users adhere to the rules of the road and be more courteous to fellow road users, especially the pedestrians. Prime Minister Hinds also charged the Police Force to implement stricter penalties, and also to be more equipped to deal with drinking and driving. The PM also lauded the Public Works Ministry for reinforcing the laws as these relate to the speed
boats. In this area, there has been a reduction in the number of river transport deaths. Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works, Robeson Benn said that this year’s failure with respect to road deaths and accidents must be accepted. “If you look at the statistics, I would say that we will have at least 22 more persons dying by the end of December…. that is what it says, and if I factor into that calculus, the holiday season, which is the drinking season, then it would probably be more and at the end of all of this, we will be touching 130 to 140 deaths by the end of 2014.”
Gov’t and AG lauded .. From page 13
Mountains, and wheat farming. In dealing with the issue of smuggling of goods from Suriname, Dookhoo hopes that a planned exhibition in Corriverton, Berbice in January 2015 will aid in the minimisation of illegal trade between the two countries. It is anticipated that the Suriname Chamber of Commerce will participate in this
exhibition. “If we are to make contact with manufacturers, suppliers etc. in Suriname, I believe it will do a great lot in reducing smuggled items,” Dookhoo said. “Cross-border trade is of huge importance to us, so I think a carefully designed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the CAIC and ARCC can work to the advantage of both of us as we move ahead into the future,” he added.
Most of these fatalities involve young men between ages 18-35, and Minister Benn said that Guyanese need to adopt the culture of safety on the roadways, because for continued development, the country needs its young population. Minister Benn noted that Government has been investing significantly in road infrastructure, especially the four-lane East Bank and East Coast Demerara expansion projects and noted that road users continue to block the roadways. He urged the relevant agencies to implement measures to tackle this issue. He also noted that development often comes with a price, and big corporations and other entities have an obligation to ensure that social impacts be the least they can be. High electricity cost, was highlighted by members of the ARCC as hindering the possibilities of creating value added products. “The hydro-project is now history, having been destroyed by many deskbound economists and propaganda experts,” he said.
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Health Ministry launches six-year disability and rehab plan
THE Ministry of Health has launched its six-year disability and rehabilitation strategy with the aim of bettering the lives of people living with disabilities in Guyana. The plan was launched under the theme: “Towards improved health partnerships and inclusiveness for all persons with disabilities.” Speaking at the launch, Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran, noted that along with mental health, disability is another health area that has been placed on the back burner. However, he added that the ministry has been working vigorously for quite a number of years to ensure these two areas become priority. “We are now seeing some degree of progress in these two areas.” The amount of money allocated in the national budget towards these two areas has been increasing annually, as the PPP/C Administration moves to put new measures in place to support those affected, the Minister noted. At present, a new facility has been established at the Mahaicony
Hospital to care for disabled persons. “We approach people with disabilities as a social problem. Several ministries are on board and we are working together for this cause,” Minister Ramsaran said. Dr. William Adu-Krow, World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative, pointed out that approximately one billion people worldwide suffer from some degree of disability, and they do not receive the required help. The strategic action plan adopted by the World Health Assembly, Dr. AduKrow said, will provide a major boost to WHO and other closely related organisations, towards the efforts to improve the quality of lives for persons living with disabilities across the world. The plan will also remove barriers, and increase ‘access to care’ for persons with disabilities. The plan is expected to strengthen community based rehabilitation, rehabilitation assistive technology, assistance and support services, he added.
“PAHO Guyana is pleased to participate in this official launch of the national strategy in the rehabilitative services, a result of many months of work. This strategy takes into consideration the global agenda for health and disability, allowing partnership at all levels, whether through Government or non-Governmental agencies. This strategy was built on the principles and values of health vision 20/20,” Dr. Adu-Krow explained. Director of Rehabilitation Services, Debita Harripersaud, in presenting the National Rehabilitation Services Strategic Plan, relating to a 2002 survey, said that at that time, 6.4% of Guyanese were living with disabilities. It was projected by the 2002 survey, that by 2014, Guyana will have just over 50,000 people, disabled. Harripersaud said at the time, the 2002 survey was done, a number of situations (institutionalised persons and persons with temporary disabilities) were not taken into consideration, and as such, it is calculated that approximately
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Health Minister, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran; World Health Organisation Representative, Dr. William Adu-Krow; Director of Rehabilitation Services, Debita Harripersaud; Dr. Stephanie Kelly, World Confederation of Occupation Therapy and Regional Advisor for Disability and Rehabilitation, Latin America and Caribbean, Dr. Armando Vasquez 200,000 people are now health, chronic health con- to improve the mental, living with a disability in ditions and violence. This physical and social wellGuyana. calls for improved care and being of all Guyanese. Most persons who are ‘accessibility to care’ for Further, it is stated that affected by disabilities persons who are disabled, disability and rehabilitation services will deliver mainly fall into the catego- Harripersaud said. ry of people, who are unIn this regard, the quality, effective and reeducated, impoverished el- National Health Vision is sponsive services to peoderly, and unemployed. She aimed at ensuring that all ple with disabilities, enasaid the prevalence of dis- Guyanese be among the bling them to participate ability is growing national- healthiest in the Americas as equal and productive ly, regionally and globally, and Caribbean by 20/20. citizens in equally supmainly because of motor The objectives herein are portive communities. vehicle accidents, mental to put measures in place
Canadian medical team wraps up successful mental health outreach A 21-member specialised Canadian medical team concluded another successful outreach in Guyana. The team included nurses, anesthesiologist, general surgeon, social workers, psychiatrists, family doctors, and occupation therapists. It also included a urologist, Dr. Joseph Benjamin, a doctor of Guyanese birth, who left his homeland as a child and has only now returned. Speaking at a dinner hosted by the Health Ministry, Rev. Ram Kalap, one of the founding members of the team, said that lot of ground was covered over the one-week visit. The medical team visited health institutions at Sud-
Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran (right), with members of the Canadian medical team die, Region Two, Linden, Region 10 and the National Psychiatric Hospital in New Amsterdam, Region Six and members conducted over 20 major
surgeries in addition to other smaller surgeries in their respective specialisations at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) and the West
Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH). Additionally, the team held several medical and nursing lectures with the students from the Universi-
ty of Guyana. Topics dealt with the new concepts and best practices within the respective professions. Kalap explained that the team scouted over the last three years to get a better understanding of what is needed in Guyana, and subsequently mapped out a collaborative plan with the Ministry of Health. The team was able to reintroduce Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) to Guyana and even handed over an ECT machine to the National Psychiatric Hospital. Sessions were also held to focus on gender-based abuse, suicide prevention and mental health issues. Meanwhile, Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsa-
ran, said that mental health and disabilities and rehab medicine are two areas that have been placed on the back burner; however, over the last two years, the Health Ministry has made significant efforts to make these two issues a priority. He commended the team’s work and the team spirit displayed by all of the volunteers, who though predominantly foreign, did not hesitate to travel to various regions to render services and interact with local medical professionals. “We hope that this is the foundation of a new strategic relation with the aim of strengthening mental health in Guyana,” the Minister posited.
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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Gov’t donates $4M to GRFU – to participate in Mexico league
THE outstanding performance of Guyana’s Rugby Team over the years was applauded by Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh, during the handing over of a $4M cheque to President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Peter Greene. The funds will go towards the Seven’s Rugby League in Mexico, in which Guyana will be participating in December. Guyana’s national men’s Rugby Sevens team has won the Caribbean Championship for six consecutive years. During a simple handing over ceremony at the National Park, Thomas Lands, Minister Singh highlighted that the rugby team has made Guyana proud, and this fact needs to be made known. He noted that there are a very few sports disciplines that have achieved what rugby has, with regards to
-Finance Minister lauds outstanding performance of Rugby Team
Minister of Finance, Dr Ashni Singh hands over the cheque to President of the Guyana Rugby Football Union (GRFU), Peter Greene in the presence of GRFU’s Patron, Christopher (Kit) Nascimento, and members of the Rugby team international competitions. dently has the kind of talent the performance of the team, Notwithstanding those that is needed, and Minis- but to raise the profile of the sports like football, cricket ter Singh said the GRFU game nationally, and seek and basketball that are the should seek to raise more to increase participation and recruit more talent. The kind more popular team sports, awareness of the sport. Guyana has the best track He said that this aware- of international exposure, record in rugby and evi- ness should not only be in prominence, and profile that
President underscores importance ... From backpage
ment in education that has produced top scholars in the Region annually, through the CXC examinations. He also observed that when the move was made to bring Amerindian students to attend President’s College, the Joint Opposition objected, stating that the standard of the school would be lowered. However, he said that the move was justified, as an Amerindian girl from the North West district, topped the school three years ago. There are already several programmes put in place by the PPP/C Administration to assist in educating the children of Guyana. With the $10,000 grant now being added, it is clear that Government is serious about educating the population. Describing what scope education would allow for persons, he pointed to the way in which lives could be improved and guided. To further Amerindian children’s education, Gov-
ernment has provided solar panels so the students can study at nights. Pointing to the projects proposed by the PPP/C Administration, and that were voted against by the Joint Political Opposition, the President stated that all of the manifestos had called originally for hydropower in Guyana, yet when the project was brought forward, it was rejected by the two opposition parties. “Judge us by our actions,” he therefore urged. Pointing to the proroguing of Parliament, he noted that it was not a dictatorial move, but instead it was one to preserve the Parliament, as he explained the reasons for this action. On November 10, the President issued the proclamation to prorogue the parliament, in face of a no confidence motion by the opposition members. Despite calls for them to work with Government, they remained adamant that they were not talking, giving evidence that their
only interest was bringing the Government down through the No-Confidence Motion. He pointed out the lies that have been told by the opposition to the Amerindians. “Look at our actions for all the people,” he insisted, comparing what existed in the past with what exists today. He referred to the budget cuts, perpetrated by the opposition, that slashed the entire capital budget of the Amerindian Affairs Ministry, and so negatively affected the development of Amerindians. Speaking of the opposition’s claims of corruption, the President pointed to the preventive methods that are in place to negate this. “They have not been our partners in development,” he declared. Education Minister Priya Manickchand noted that the way to rise out of poverty is for parents to prioritise and give their children the life they never had as parents. She declared that
education is the future; the educational status of the parents has nothing to do with the future of their children. The Minister also focused on the fact that top students of the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) came from Guyanese homes where their parents were cane harvesters and housewives. She emphasised on the work being carried out to improve hinterland education, describing this as of utmost importance to Amerindians. The ‘Because We Care’ initiative was approved in the 2014 national budget and targets each child in the public school system. Over 188, 400 families are to benefit overall from this initiative that will cost $2Billion overall. The minister said the grant is meant to be assistance, and an addition to the resources parents already have available. The Education Minister encouraged parents
successful athletes can give to a country are way beyond what an individual professional can achieve. “What a Usain Bolt can do and has done for Jamaica in terms of raising Jamaica’s international profile, an army of ambassadors could not possibly have done, billions of dollars of international marketing and advertising could not possibly have accomplished, what one Usain Bolt, one individual athlete did for Jamaica’s international profile,” he said. Minister Singh reiterated that Guyana should take a model from Jamaica, where the country can be able to produce athletes, who can accomplish the highest level of performance internationally, bring back the medals and raise the profile and prominence of the country. “I believe that this
team stands a good chance at qualifying for the 2016 Olympics; if it does, then it would be the first time that Guyana would qualify for a team sport in the Olympics.” GRFU Patron, Christopher (Kit) Nascimento, said that this is the first step of many that the union has to take to enable the Guyana National Men’s Rugby Seven’s team to reach the 2016 Olympics. The first step, he said is when the team goes to Mexico and win the Competition on December 3 and 4, and thereafter will head to Hong Kong and then to the qualifying tournament. The team was placed in Group C and will be playing against host Mexico, Cayman Islands and St Vincent. Once successful, the team will qualify for the 2016 national Olympics.
to continue to invest in their children, to make the necessary sacrifices so that they can become adults, who can meaningfully contribute to Guyana and the World. “Our duty as adults, as Government is to ensure that our children have the opportunities we never had, what we couldn’t do,” she said. Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, explaining the reasons for the distribution of the cash grant, pointed to the belief of Government, that education is the way to a prosperous future. This, he said, has been ongoing for the past 20 years in Guyana, through provision of more schools and teachers and programmes to keep children in school. Meanwhile, the cash grant was welcomed by parents in the community. Nurse Matilda Saigo- Williams, who uplifted the grant for her nephews said, “they will be able to use it to buy their school things… it’s a very nice programme because it will help to offset expenses.”
Lambert John indicated that he “…will buy some clothing and crayons and what they use in school. It’s quite a good programme for parents who don’t earn. It’s a great thing Government is doing and they should continue.” Odessa Paul, a teacher, stated that the parents are elated and that her students understand that the money is to be used for them, adding that it was distributed in a timely manner for parents. Christopher Sandoval stated that he was grateful for the grant that he will use to assist to buy a laptop for his son and is thankful to Government for giving it. “I am studying to put it in my children’s bank account,’ said one male parent with four children in school. Another explained that the grant “…has come in very handy and will serve a great purpose. I haven’t had aid from anywhere… it will help me with their stationeries and that kind of thing.”
The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”
Guyana continues to invest holistically in pursuit of Sports THE Government has been lauded for yet another landmark achievement; the state-of-theart Synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora, West Coast Demerara, that is a fulfillment of a promise by the PPP/Civic in its manifesto. The PPP/C has always stated its firm commitment to the development and expansion of sports and the realisation of requisite facilities to help sportsmen and women reach their full potential and continue to represent Guyana well, internationally. This state-of- the- art facility will allow Guyana to host more international athletic competitions, which have the added benefit of boosting tourism, a fast rising phenomenon in Guyana. The athletic track adds to a growing list of investment initiatives in sports in Guyana-the Guyana National Stadium at Providence; the Albion Sports Complex, refurbished and fitted with flood lights; the Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal; the Squash Court and Lawn Tennis Court. The idea here is that there is a commitment from Government to continuously improve the landscape to help athletes reach their full potential, and this means not only having the talent, but also setting up of necessary facilities. The inherent philosophy of sports is based on the recognition of its vital importance in the holistic development of the individual, the community and the nation. Sporting activities form the important nexus of building and developing the character of the individual, as well as that of the community. They build and nurture the spirit of friendly competition, provide healthy entertainment, exercise the body, focus the spirit, create a climate of achievement and challenge the youths in particular to higher levels of endurance and attainment. Where the Leonora Synthetic Track is con-
cerned, Guyana is faring well, and it is a very solid testimony to how Government views the development of sports. The track was just recently graced with the presence of U.S. Track Star, Kristi Castlin. “I feel honoured and appreciated coming here to Guyana. I would love to spend more time actually doing some hurdle clinics,” Castlin said while speaking to reporters at the venue. Castlin is not the average athlete: she is a seventime NCAA All American athlete. She is also a fivetime Atlantic Coast Conference (AAC) Champion in the 60m and 100m hurdles. In 2009, Castlin ran 12.91 seconds to be the 100m American Junior recordholder, the same year she became the Pan American Junior record-holder over the same distance. Castlin came to Guyana, compliments of the United States Embassy in Georgetown, and made some very positive challenges as regards sports, namely her discipline of hurdling: “It makes you very dynamic, when you are hurdling there is a lot you put into it and a lot you can do, you can run the 100, the 200; it just makes you dynamic.” Castlin was quite cognisant of the fact that hurdling is not the ‘in-thing’ here, but it involves sprinting and she passed on her invaluable tips to the local coaches working with athletes. Before Castlin’s visit, the track was host to Jamaican 200m silver medalist from the Seoul Games in 1988, Grace Jackson. She believes that Government’s investment in the Synthetic Track and Field Facility at Leonora is simply “great”. Jackson’s coming was in tandem with Trinidad and Tobago’s multiple Olympic medalist, Ato Boldon. Both were guests in Guyana, as a part of a Government-backed Sports Management Workshop.
“This is a great investment,” Jackson explained, adding “as I spoke about the paradigm shift, this is a great way of showing that vision is coming into practice.” Jackson believes that the facility, deemed “community development”, should be the ultimate place for the development of local track and field. Jackson’s paradigm shift is that sports in the region has moved and Guyana was left behind at one time-no facility and no serious training. However, the Minister of Culture, Youth & Sport recognised this damning reality and acknowledged the need for upping- theante and thus the input from Jackson and Boldon. “What can happen here is what happens in Jamaica, where we cover the entire island,” she said, speaking about the need for decentralisation of competition. In the case of Boldon, he spoke of understanding ‘sports culture’ and its ramifications. Boldon’s words must be absorbed, as to date, only Usain Bolt, Frankie Fredericks and Carl Lewis have won as many Olympic individual event sprint medals as he has. Boldon is now a track and field analyst for ESPN and NBC Sports. “There has to be a change and the first thing that has to change is the culture. If you don’t have a culture of sport then young people don’t have an incentive to get involved. Until you establish a culture of sport (as) being important and (as) sport being something you can aspire too, then none of the other plans will work.” Here is where the idea for the track shows up the bigger picture. Through the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, the Government of Guyana has built this country’s first synthetic track, an investment that is most worthy. When FIFA Development Officer Howard McIntosh was here for first hand interactions with
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A section of the Synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) Executive and various stakeholders, he too visited the athletic track which also houses a football pitch. The report was most pleasing, and just
like Castlin, Jackson and Boldon, McIntosh vindicated Government’s care for the local sporting fraternity. The over US$5M facility is expected to pave the way for international
events to be staged at Leonora; giving the country another world class venue to host matches, apart from the Guyana National Stadium at Providence.
US hurdle champ visits Guyana … holds sport clinics for coaches, athletes
Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony and excited fans, touring the Athletic Synthetic Track at Leonora GUYANESE coaches and athletes were provided with the opportunity to benefit from the experience of renowned 100 - metre hurdler, Kristi Castlin. The American 100-metre hurdle star recently had a three-day sojourn to Guyana. In addition to paying a courtesy call on Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony, Castlin conducted a sport clinic for coaches and another one for aspiring athletes. The session with the athletes was conducted at the Guyana Defence Force ground and it focused on the range
of athletic skills to enhance performance, and take it to the highest level and how avoid injury. Castlin, whose visit to Guyana was facilitated through an exchange programme by the United States Embassy, was also given a tour of the Synthetic Athletic Track at Leonora. The track has only one more phase to be completed, before it could be officially opened to athletes. This has to do with the construction of a club house and this should be completed by the first quarter of 2015. Castlin, however, said that the track was
the most beautiful one she has seen in this part of the world. Minister Anthony said that Guyana was pleased to host Castlin and expressed the hope that her visit would have inspired more young women and girls to get involved in sporting activities. “It’s good when we can have international stars in Guyana; they help to inspire the local athletes and her interaction with the youths could inspire them to take a career in athletics,” the Minister said.
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Issue No: 4
November 21, 2014
Paramakatoi gets $80.5M primary school
IN fulfilling its commitment to ensure every child receive an education, and that poverty be reduced, the Government of Guyana has over the years, constructed and rehabilitated over 1000 schools countrywide. A new school building constructed in Paramakatoi, Region Eight is another achievement in the advancement of education in Guyana. Having already achieved the Millennium Development Goal of Universal Primary Education and now working assiduously towards attaining the secondary level one, the Government is clearly showing its intention where education is concerned. It is also saying with this last move that education must begin early for children. The Paramakatoi Primary School, built at a cost of $80.5M, was commissioned by President Donald Ramotar during a recent visit to Region Eight. It is ensuring better comfort for children and has been highly welcomed by parents of the region. Funding for the structure was made available through the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Government, and the project was executed by the Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF), under the Finance Ministry. The school is intended to give access to safe, primary schooling for 205 primary-aged children in
Students await the arrival of President Donald Ramotar, Education Minister Priya Manickchand and Minister in the Ministry of Finance Juan Edghill at the new Paramakatoi Primary School, Region Eight the Amerindian community; these previously were attending an overcrowded school, where it was not very conducive for learning and teaching. The Headmistress,
Pattie Diaguar, stated that, “Now we see the kind of school we were longing for; our dreams have become a reality. To the leaders, we will strive to develop the human re-
sources so that one day we will be in your coat and wear your hats and shoes as Indigenous people of Paramakatoi.” President Ramotar, assisted by Education Min-
ister Priya Manickchand, the Headmistress and students, cut the ribbon to commission the school that is equipped with a fully stocked library, sanitary block and solar panel.
On learning that the furniture for the school was built by the Paramakatoi Village Council, using funds allocated by the Education Ministry, the President assured the Headmistress that more such funds would be given to the Council. During his tour of the school and his interaction with the students, the President was assured by the student that they had already received their exercise and text books. Minister Manickchand urged the students to work hard to achieve places in any school they desire “because you can do it” she stated firmly. In the 2014 National Grade Six Assessment (NGSA), five students of the Paramakatoi Primary scored in the top 10 for Region Eight.
President underscores importance of education
-as “Because we Care” initiative goes to Paramakatoi
PRESIDENT Donald Ramotar led the distribution of the $10,000 education grant, to parents and guardians of public school children at Paramakatoi, in Region Eight. In the Amerindian community, the Head of State underscored the need for children to be educated and also outlined Government’s investments in the sector, to ensure that there are opportunities for all children. He was accompanied
by Education Minister Priya Manickchand, and Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill. The Head of State stressed the need for people to be educated as children, pointing to a World Bank review that measured poverty in Guyana. He noted that this has been turned around and that Guyana is no longer a poor country. The President also emphasised Government’s investSee page 30
President Donald Ramotar and Education Minister Priya Manickchand look on as recipients uplift the education grant in Paramakatoi, Region Eight