The Guyanese Newspaper 12th Edition - March 13, 2015 by DPI | Department of Public Information

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Issue No: 12

March,13, 2015

Stand with me on May 11President Ramotar

INSIDE

- as thousands attend Jagans’ Memorial Page 2

ExxonMobil begins oil exploration drilling in Guyana Page 3

Guyana and IDB sign loan agreement for environment and strengthening of security sectors

Page 4

North Ruimveldt Secondary upgraded to ‘A’ list school - first to move from lower to higher category

Page 5

Hururu and Bai Shan Lin sign lease accord – company to build wharf, log pond, village’s road

Page 7

ExxonMobil’s oil rig, the Deepwater Champion at the Stabroek Block offshore in Guyana

Weekly Digest & Development Digest

Sundays 6:30pm - 7:30pm on Time Warner Cable Channel 96 Read the Guyanese online @ theguyanese.gy

APNU/AFC coalitionrooted in deception and bucks constitution

Page 8

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Stand with me on May 11-President

- as thousands attend Jagans’ Memorial

housands gathered at the Babu John memorial site, on March 8, commemorating the death anniversary of the late President Dr. Cheddi Jagan and his wife, Janet Jagan (also a former President.)

that it is coinciding with International Women’s Day because Comrade Cheddi Jagan was at the forefront in the fight for women’s rights in this country.” Speaking of the late Dr. Jagan’s contribution to women’s rights locally,

President Donald Ramotar, as he addressed the gathering at Babu John for the 18th death anniversary of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan On the occasion, Prime President Ramotar pointed Minister Samuel Hinds, out that when Dr. Jagan President Donald Ramotar started his work women, and First Lady Deolatch- were not allowed to vote, mee Ramotar, People’s to work and they were not Progressive Party Civic allowed to marry, if they (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial were nurses. Candidate, Ms. Elisabeth “It is his work that Harper, PPP/C General transformed that, and that Secretary Clement Rohee, is why it is such a happy former President Bharrat coincidence that our meetJagdeo, and several other ing today coincides with dignitaries were in attend- International Women’s ance at the Monument Site, Day.” Port Mourant, to remember Reflecting on the late the late son of the soil. Dr. Jagan’s life, President In his address to the Ramotar said his passing gathering, the Head of would always be one of the State took time out to sa- saddest days of his life. lute women for the invaluaDr. Jagan was hailed ble contributions they have by former US President made to Guyana. Jimmy Carter, as “one of “It is indeed a very hap- the greatest assets Guyana py coincidence that today ever had”, and President as we celebrate his life and Ramotar said it was indeed as we remember his work, a privilege, having worked

with him. “That is why I consider that we have been very fortunate to be led by a man of such capacity, and to have had to the opportunity to learn from him, and to see how to manage our country and to develop Guyana.” Referring to the Late Dr. Jagan as a man who warned against dogmatism, who was a man of great vision, sound principles and methodology, President Ramotar stated that is it these pillars the PPP/C administration continues to be guided by, as they advance the interest of Guyanese and the nation. “Today, we are meeting at a time of heightened political interest that is being shown largely because of the fact that on May 11 we will have National and Regional Elections in our country.” Meanwhile, looking back at his past three years at the helm of the country, President Ramotar pointed out the many obstacles he was confronted with, as he tried to advance the country and its people. He recalled the many developmental projects, which were stymied by the combined opposition, and which have now joined forces to contest the May 11 election. Mention was made of the non-support to the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism Bill, the Amaila Falls Hydro

General Secretary of the PPP Clement Rohee, Former President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime Ministerial Candidate of the PPP/C Ms. Elisabeth Harper, Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and President Donald Ramotar as they stood in acknowledgment of the large gathering at the Babu John memorial site

Project, the Cheddi Jagan International Airport expansion project and the Specialty hospital. Speaking of how all Guyanese, irrespective of race or political affiliation would have benefitted from these projects, President Ramotar questioned the gathering if that is the kind of change they are looking forward to. He pointed out that if any caring opposition wanted to advance the country, they would have given their support to these and other projects, as opposed to showing strong

your decency, integrity and hard work, thank you for being strong in the face of the most vile and pernicious attack that the opposition waged against you. You withstood those attacks with dignity, and it was largely because of who you are.” The former president lauded Prime Minister Hinds’ effort for never losing faith in the PPP/C’s dream and the late Dr. Jagan’s dream to take Guyana forward. Jagdeo also reminded the gathering that they too

President Donald Ramotar laying a wreath, at the monument site at Port Mourant in observance of the 18th death anniversary of the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan objection and more so their cutting of the National Budgets. The gathering were also reminded of the importance of knowing their history under the PNC/R administration, which have done nothing over the years, other than trying to disguise themselves under different names. “I want to warn you that we cannot make any mistakes this time...our country has gone through too much... now is the time for us to continue in the direction we have started, now is the time for us to build and to build and make our country more progressive modern and prosperous.” Meanwhile the former President Bharrat Jagdeo, who also addressed the gathering took the time to salute the sterling contributions of the incumbent Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, to not only the Party, but Guyana as a nation. ‘Prime Minister, thank you for the struggles that you have shouldered jointly with us. Thank you for

also have a part to play in carrying on the late Dr. Jagan’s dreams and vision to take Guyana forward. He also lauded the effort of President Ramotar and his Cabinet members for the work they have done in continuing the late, Dr. Jagan’s dream, while acknowledging that it was not an easy task doing so under the new political dispensation of a one-seat majority in the parliament. Nevertheless, the former president sought to point out the many strides made by the incumbent government, even amidst the talk, that there has been no change and progress. He highlighted that under the current administration, every sector and every region has seen massive transformation, and while some refuse to accept this fact, they are currently living the change that has occurred. The former president pointed to the fact that in the education sector, Guyana is on the verge of achieving Universal Sec-

ondary Education, while prior to 1992, thousands of children were left back in primary schools, since there were no secondary schools for them to attend. Mention was made of the transformation of the financial sector, which now has better legislation, and the fact that Guyana has seen eight years of economic growth, even at a time when countries were suffering from financial meltdown. Under this administration, too Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that more young people are benefitting from scholarships to study abroad, and the health sector, from more trained doctors. He added too that under the PPP/C administration, Guyanese are afforded better housing options, as housing is made affordable for every class. Having pointed out these and other strides, which the incumbent government has made, Dr. Jagdeo questioned if going backward was the best option for all Guyanese. He called on the gathering to look at the situation before them and if going back the ‘Burnhamism’ period was the best option. He added that it is under the PPP/C administration that Guyanese had their dignity and pride restored, and they should not give their future into the hands of persons who have tried to stymie development. Meanwhile, others who addressed the gathering include the Party’s General Secretary, Clement Rohee, Prime Ministerial Candidate, Elisabeth Harper, and Prime Minister Hinds. They all reiterated the calls for support, in ensuring that the PPP/C be returned to government with a majority, so as to ensure that Guyana can continue along the positive growth path it has been on for the past eight years. President Ramotar was joined by other dignitaries for the laying of wreaths, at the monument site in honour of Dr. Jagan.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

ExxonMobil begins oil exploration drilling in Guyana

xxonMobil Deep Water Champion explore ship has commenced drilling for oil at the Stabroek Block offshore in Guyana. The US based oil company started its approximately US$200M oil exploration project on March 05, just a day after President Donald Ramotar, along with Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud, visited the ExxonMobil’s Head Office at New Mar-

world, is an industry that is the leading inventory of oil and gas projects, and the world’s largest refiner of petroleum products. It has a long history of using science and innovation to find safer and cleaner ways of bringing energy to the world. The total area allotted to Exxon for exploration (the Liza Area or the Stabroek Block) covers 26, 806 square kilometers. The company intends to drill at a depth of 1750 metres.

with what is taking place, and looking forward to going out myself,” the President noted. Additionally, Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert M. Persaud, urged the company to ensure that the activities envisioned be within the specified timeframe. Minister Persaud also stated that, “all government agencies are fully mobilised for an efficient and effective exploration.” The project is expect-

President Donald Ramotar, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud and ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simon along with staff at the ExxonMobil Head office, New Market Street, Georgetown.

ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simon explaining the company’s scope of operations to President Donald Ramotar, and Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud ket Street, Georgetown, and were given a tour of the facility. The two were also briefed on the scope of the operations by the company; this by the Country Manager, Mr. Jeff Simons. ExxonMobil, the largest public trading international company in the

President Ramotar, who was impressed with the size of the company’s operation, described the exploratory area as a “small village,” noting that it ought to take a lot of effort to manage and execute all logistics. “I’m quite impressed

ed to be executed over a 10-year time frame, with three periods, including two phases in each period. Each period lasts for one to two years. The scope of operation includes a drillship, with approximately 200 crew and contractors; helicop-

ter support, with two from Ogle, including a utility and a Search and Rescue at all times; four support vessels, and two shore bases, running from Georgetown and Trinidad; and a waste treatment facility at the John Fernandes Site at Houston. Guyana has been re-

ceiving a lot of international attention from huge companies, especially in the oil sector. The US Geological Survey said in 2000 that the Guyana-Suriname Basin has the second largest unexplored oil potential in the world after Greenland. Guyana first struck oil in the 1980s in the Takutu

Basin, and there is great optimism that oil will be found in commercial quantities. ExxonMobil will now join other investors such as CGX Energy, Repsol, Anadarko Guyana Co., and Gas and Nabi Oil and Gas, in exploring oil in Guyana’s offshore Atlantic basin.

First couple usher in Holi season with Chowtal Samelan

President Donald Ramotar and Prime Minister Samuel Hinds taking part in the chowtal singing at the Chowtal Samelan hosted by the President and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar at State House to usher in the season of Holi

I President Donald Ramotar, Natural Resources and the Environment Minister, Robert Persaud and ExxonMobil’s Country Manager, Jeff Simon during a tour of the company’s head office at New Market Street

n what has become customary, President Donald Ramotar, First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar and other family members hosted a Phagwah Samelan, at State House, to usher in the season of

Holi (Phagwah). Guests, included Government officials, such as Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, and members of the Diplomatic Corps, were entertained by chowtal singing, in which the pres-

ident and the prime minister joined in. There were also lively performances from the Nachgana Academy of Dance and the Jewan Ka Nritya dance group.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Bring back the weapons

- HPS urges PNC on outstanding arms, lent to them by GDF

he decision by Opposition Leader (retd) Brigadier David Granger and senior A Partnership For National Unity (APNU) functionary Major (retd) Joseph Harmon to ignore demands that they account for weapons, handed over to the People’s National Congress (PNC) in the 1970s and 80s, has again

been criticised by the ruling administration. Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, speaking at his weekly press briefing, reiterated that President Donald Ramotar has said, and also asked publicly, that the senior opposition officials use their office, to ensure the return of the outstanding weapons.

Dr, Luncheon stated that the documentation on the issuance of the weapons is public knowledge. He stated that “The persons, the weapons, the dates, all of these matters are in the public domain.” The fact that several of the “loaned” weapons subsequently turned up in the hands of criminals, came to the fore, during the

crime wave, which gripped Guyana in the early 2000 period, and Dr. Luncheon said, “That was when the questions started to be asked.” He added that the Guyana Defence Force (GDF), under its new “enlightened management,” has provided information that showed, who, when and how the missing weapons

were transferred to the former government and other party entities. The GDF, the Cabinet Secretary explained, had the mandate, given to it, by former President Bharrat Jagdeo, the Defence Board and Cabinet, to “be involved in each and every instance, where weapons, similar if not identical to those that have gone miss-

ing, that have not been returned, are used or discovered…. and do all that is necessary to acquire or reacquire, or to obtain these weapons and restore them to their rightful ownership, removing them from what we assume, and reasonably so, to be from the hands of criminals. I didn’t mean the PNC, I meant the real criminals.”

Guyana and IDB sign loan agreement for environment and security sector strengthening

he Government of Guyana and the Inter American Development Bank (IDB) have signed a loan agreement, totalling US$32.16M, for the strengthening of the environment sector and the Citizen Security Strengthening Programme. The agreement was signed at the 4th IDB Caribbean Governors’ Regional Meeting, which was held in Freeport, Bahamas. Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh, represented the Guyana Government while the IDB was represented by its President, Mr. Luis Alberto Moreno. “The decision by the IDB to provide these loans

is further testimony of the Bank’s confidence in this government’s commitment to responsible management, and in particular, to implementing meaningful reform in the two sectors concerned,” the minister stated. This is the second loan operation in the Environment Sector programme that was approved by the IDB in 2013. Approval was made possible since Guyana was able to achieve all of the policy reforms agreed to in 2013, as well as the maintenance of an appropriate macroeconomic policy framework. The programme will

Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh with executive members of the IDB, at the signing of the historic agreements support the consolidation of Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and REDD+ (Re-

Minister of Finance Dr Ashni Singh and President of the IDB, Alberto Luis Moreno signing the historic agreements

ducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation). The activities under this operation include: organising multi-stakeholder consultations; supporting the implementation of a transparent, rule-based and inclusive accountability and enforcement system for forest governance; aiding the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment’s efforts to minimise and manage forest degradation from extractive activities, in particular from mining; integrating land use planning; and operating a reliable Monitoring, Reporting and Verification System (MRVS) for these activities. “The reforms, contemplated by the programme, make for even more effec-

tive discharge of Guyana's responsibilities in this area, and which is of critical importance, given Guyana's established leadership in the area of climate change and sustainable management of natural resources,” Minister Singh said. The IDB’s financing for this second phase is made up of a loan of US$17.16 million. The loan comes in the form of 50% from the IDB’s ordinary capital, with a 30-year maturity, and a six-year grace period, and 50% from the IDB’s Fund for Special Operations, with a single payment upon a 40-year gratuity, with a fixed interest rate. Meanwhile, this new citizen security programme, funded through a $15 million loan, was approved by the Board of Directors on

December 10, 2014. It is the second in this sector since 2006, and is designed to build on the achievements of the Citizen Security Programme (1752/SF-GY) and to enhance sustainability of the achievements of that earlier operation. “The programme will go a long way in helping to make our neighbourhoods and communities safer and our security agencies more effective,” the Finance Minister noted. The loan comes in the form of 50% from the IDB’s ordinary capital, with a 30year maturity, and a 6-year grace period, and 50% from the IDB’s Fund for Special Operations, with a single payment upon a 40-year gratuity, with a fixed interest rate.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

North Ruimveldt Secondary upgraded to ‘A’ list school - first to move from lower to higher category

ocated on Mandela Avenue, the North Ruimveldt Secondary School has been elevated to the rank of an “A” list school. This is a significant boost for the institution in its pursuit of higher learning, and is also a reward for its extremely good performances at the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations North Ruimveldt Secondary is the only school in Guyana that has worked its way from a lower to a higher category (“B” list to “A” list), and commendations were extended to the students, teachers and parents for their efforts.

able. To this end, rehabilitation work was done to the classrooms and the sanitary block. The ceiling sinks and damaged bowls were replaced, while the damaged ceilings in classrooms were restored and classrooms and auditorium repainted. Work was also done to accommodate the Allied Arts department, which will house the music, visual arts and physical education units. The agriculture science department was also extended to cater for a component of the syllabus, while damaged computers were replaced and an air condition unit was installed in the Information Technol-

Classroom (ISC) in Guyana. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, who joined with Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, on February 27, to unveil the plaque to commemorate the school’s shift in status, revealed that ISCs are to be installed at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE), and at the Government Technical Institute (GTI). According to the minister, this initiative is intended to allow teachers to teach students interactively, through technology. “That is what Guyana is, what Guyana is moving to, and we are going to get there

A section of the North Ruimveldt Secondary School The school, which was offering 24 subjects, has now added four others, Mechanical Engineering, Physical Education and Sports, Physics and Visual Arts. Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, along with Chief Education Officer, Olato Sam, on February 27 unveiled the plaque to commemorate the school’s shift in status. To bring North Ruimveldt to an A List school, the government expended a significant amount of funds to ensure the necessary infrastructure and resources were made avail-

ogy Department. A librarian was appointed as well. Students of Grades Seven to Eleven were presented with recommended text books for the respective subjects. In terms of staffing, the school has just one fewer than the required 38 teachers. There are nine trained graduates, four untrained graduates, 20 trained and four untrained teachers, two part-time staff members, and a music and an electricity specialist. There is however the need for a mechanical engineering teacher. The school also has the first Interactive Smart

very soon. That is the future of education,” she said. Highlighting the strides already made in education, Minister Manickchand noted that the sector, which receives the largest chunk of budgetary allocations, has already realised the achievement of Universal Primary Education. Government is now seeking to achieve Universal Secondary Education within a fiveyear period. According to Minister Manickchand, 67,000 secondary aged children are accessing secondary education, a 90 % increase from over the last two decades.

Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand along with students during the unveiling of the plaque to commission the North Ruimveldt Secondary School located on Mandela Avenue, Georgetown as an “A” list school In the last five years, eight demic performances, even computer lab. And in terms new secondary schools in subjects such as Math- of trained teachers, in 2001, were built, and 31 primary ematics and English. Min- there were 50%; today 59% tops amalgamated. There ister Manickchand noted are trained, with most of are also 12 hinterland sec- that in 1992, only 18% of them being University of ondary schools with anoth- the students, who wrote Guyana graduates. er coming on-stream soon. Mathematics at Caribbean In 2010 the Education Today, the number of Secondary School Exami- Ministry began ranking students dropping out of nations (then Caribbean Ex- all schools, based on their school has declined to 2 %, amination Council) passed matriculation, rated at the the minister noted. the subject; however, in level of CSEC, from A to She pointed further to 2014, 38% of the students D, with the hope of raisthe ministry’s work towards who wrote the regional ex- ing awareness and spurring having more boys excel amination passed. Mean- within them a desire to elacademically, noting that in while, in the area of English evate themselves. the last three years, 2,000 Language, 9% of students In November 2013, more boys were retained to passed in 1992 and in 2014, the Rosignol Secondary complete secondary educa- 46% passed. School in Region Five was tion, as a result of the proThe minister also point- upgraded to ‘A’ list status, grammes injected into the ed out that five years ago, while the Bygeval Secondschools to attract them. there were about three ary was similarly upgraded The country has also schools with labs; today in December of the same witnessed improved aca- though, every school has a year.

The Interactive room at the North Ruimveldt Secondary School

Marriott hotel completed despite opposition’s censure - HPS

espite the many criticisms by the Political Opposition against the government’s decision to invest in the country’s first brand name hotel, (the Marriott), the project has been completed. This project has not been without its fair share of challenges, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, told the media during his recent

weekly press conference at the Office of the President. Dr. Luncheon explained that the financial closure on Marriott has been attended to, even though delayed by among many other issues, legal interventions. He, however, stated that this has not prevented the Marriott from achieving its readiness status for its opening, because financing, necessary to give effect to that launch, has been on

The Marriott Hotel

the basis of understanding among stakeholders and advanced by the National Industrial and Commercial Investments Limited (NICIL). Dr. Luncheon stated that mechanisms have been put in place, with a clear understanding, that on completion of closure, these funds will be reimbursed. The Marriott Hotel will house a seven-storey main structure, an administra-

tion building containing offices, and a banquet hall on the eastern side, as well as a separate entertainment complex to the west, containing a specialty restaurant, nightclub and casino. Marriott International is a leading hospitality company, with over 3,500 hotels internationally. It controls 337 properties in the United States, five in the Caribbean and 16 in Central and South America.

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 The GUYANESE – A RESPONSE TO KAIETEUR NEWS MISINFORMATION

That the media in a democratic society is the most influential outlet of public opinion is incontestable, for in such a milieu, it acts as the public watchdog, and is expected to represent all shades of opinion, in an objective and unbiased manner. From such a professional high ground, it is expected to be a genuine participant in the daily affairs of the particular state in which it operates, in so far as offering opinions/solutions on governance, or on any other issue, pertaining to the welfare of the nation. In fact, it is expected also, that the media, in such a dispensation, be respectful of the views of the other publishing houses, even if there are differences in political ideology. Certainly, the latest attack by the Kaieteur News (KN), on the Government Information Agency (GINA), for its publication of the GUYANESE, a recent journal that seeks to inform the DIASPORA on events in their homeland, is another departure from the sacred tenets of professional journalism. But since it comes from a publication with a well known political agenda, and a history of spiteful and reckless reporting, then it is not surprising. As inferred in the opening paragraph, in a democratic society, there is no monopoly on dissemination of news, especially when the right to publish is free and uninhibited. What must be paramount is the conveyance of issues in a balanced manner, where the person(s), who may be at centre stage, is not defamed in any way; also it must allow for all shades of opinions to be expressed, and be known. This is the particular juncture of media practice, at which we plainly believe, the KN has once again stumbled, ignominiously. Now here is a publishing house, that has been disseminating its DIASPORIC version in New York for quite some time, unchallenged, seeking as is its deliberate ritual, to poison the minds of Guyanese, with its feed of totally reckless journalism, filled with hate, malice and spite, compliments of its ongoing political offensive against the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic government (PPP/C). However, since October, GINA, in a continuation of its official mandate of disseminating information on government’s policies and programmes, has been publishing the GUYANESE, in response for another side of events in Guyana. It was always predictable that once another news source should begin, that there would be panic within KN, because its mountains of lies and misinformation would become exposed. Therefore, resorting to malicious slander, its well known forte, on the persons of the senior officials of GINA, is a continuation of its war by proxy, on the right of this state agency, to inform on matters that are relevant to the advancement of the nation and its people. But more seriously, it is another undisguised assault on the agency’s mandate of being the official spokesperson of the administration on matters of state. It is an action which KN has been dutifully performing for, and on behalf of its political opposition supporters. But there is a sinister purpose in such an anti-democratic deed-to thwart the Guyanese public and those in the DIASPORA from being informed. KN should know that such a tactic is wholly undemocratic. Let it be reminded that there was never any objection from the PPP/C government in granting permission for KN to publish in Guyana; neither was there any question nor criticism, when it took its pages to the DIASPORA. This was in keeping with the undoubted establishing in Guyana, after 1992, of a free press, with the right of freedom of expression. It has been a covenant which the government has made no attempt to change or subvert in any manner. All the media in Guyana, mostly private, have benefitted from this dispensation that reflects the true democracy that Guyana is. But it seems that GINA should have no claims to such similar equal rights, as other media entities. Finally, we reiterate that GINA is not in the business of competing with

Women are still suffering from ugly discrimination in a supposedly enlightened world

Dear Editor, As the nation joins with the rest of the world in another observance of “International Women’s Day,” special praises are in order for the fairer sex category, for their continuous strength and resourcefulness, as they strive daily for their rightful due, in a world that still discriminates against their gender. It is a shame that this unfair practice and other indignities are still very much a fact of daily living life, in a world in which there are so many national laws that are inscribed against discriminatory behaviour against women. In many instances, even in the developing world, women do receive

less financial rewards for the very employment tasks which their male counterparts do. How can this still be the norm, when labour is equal? Too many women are living under the bondage of cultures that are used to suppress their natural rights. In other words, they are cruelly subordinated to their men folk, being treated as mere appendages, and as persons with no voice, because they are expected to acquiesce to their socially conditioned role as non-persons. Women are today suffering from more and more cases of domestic violence, often these ending in brutal deaths for so many, and in many instances, life maim-

ing injuries, if the victims do survive. Then there is the modern scourge of Trafficking in Persons (TIP), where women, because they are seeking better living opportunities, are lured into the hellhole of sexual slavery. Worse yet! They have become the daily prey of the sexual predator, a worldwide practice. It is so unimaginable, distressing and extremely incredible that there are societies, where women are blamed for rape, which releases the offender from prosecution. Thus as we salute our womenfolk, let us spare a thought for the less fortunate, wherever they may be. Herby Jones

Phagwah Guyanese style-manifestation of national unity

Dear Editor, “Happy Holi” to one and all, especially to the Hindu community in Guyana. It has been another Phagwah celebration, and as usual, all the ethnic groups joined in the celebration of the Festival of Spring, in the traditional manner of splashing colours and water. I have often contended, convinced, that Phagwah is celebrated in Guyana in a most unique manner, because it embraces genuine participation from other ethnic groups, especially Afro-Guyanese, who commune with their fellow Indo-Guyanese, to give true meaning and expression to our national motto of “ONE PEOPLE ONE NATION ONE DESTINY.”

any other media house, since its functions are clearly defined; however, as the Government of Guyana’s chief media representative, it has the right to respond to any attempts at misinformation and misrepresenta-

It was heartening, a balm to the soul, to observe an explosion of spontaneous goodwill, as this festival continues to be celebrated in the spirit of genuine appreciativeness of multi-culturalism. And as usual, Albouystown was the place, where once again this brotherhood and sharing of culture, because of its multiethnic mix, was openly displayed, as it has been for many, many years. But, other one-ethnic communities celebrated as well, as a toast to their fellow Indo-Guyanese brethren elsewhere. Inevitably, it brings me, as it should to my fellow Guyanese, to the question as to whether or not, we as a nation of six peoples,

are that really polarized, as is the general view. Surely, there continue to be fear and suspicion, I agree; yet, there are so many encouraging signposts that suggest the opposite. One only has to visit especially our rural communities, to appreciate that there is a common denominator among our people, which is experienced each day. We of this generation should continue to strive for the achievement of that ONENESS that is so important for nation building, giving impetus for a continuation of the road to progress. Our children, and their children later, will praise us many decades, after we of this generation are all gone. Suraj Persaud

tion by any source. In so doing, it has not overstepped its legitimate or officially mandated

bounds.

See related article on page 10

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Hururu and Bai Shan Lin sign lease accord – company to build wharf, log pond, village’s road

Minister of Amerindian Affairs Pauline Sukhai (centre) with Hururu Toshao, Winsbert Benjamin (left) and General Manager of Bai Shan Lin, Han Zhen Jun (right) signing the Memorandum of Understanding

ururu, an Amerindian community in Region Ten, has signed a lease agreement with Bai Shan Lin Forest Development Inc., for 24.7 acres of land, that will see the company’s construction of a wharf, a log pond and related buildings.

Villages Toshao Winsbert Benjamin signed the Memorandum of Understanding with General Manager of Bai Shan Lin, Han Zhen Jun, for a 15year lease, that will see the village’s benefitting from $5,000 per acre. The MoU was signed in

the presence of Amerindian Affairs Minister Pauline Sukhai and members of Bai Shan Lin, along with members of the Village Council of Hururu and the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment. The signing took place at the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs

location in Georgetown. The MoU will also cater for the construction of two-storied buildings, and a parking area, to accommodate equipment. Minister Sukhai stated that the signing of the agreement followed the process which mirrored ‘free prior and informed consent’ of the indigenous peoples, who had discussions regarding the proposals sent to them. The Village Council did all that was required by the Amerindian Act, and had discussions among all stakeholders, while guidance and with legal advice came from the ministry. Toshao Benjamin noted that the two bodies had worked hard during the past year, and that the three-year relationship with Bai Shan Lin has led to the agreement. He thanked the company for its support over the past years. The company’s General Manager Zhen Jun, expressed appreciation for the co-operation among the

General Manager of Bai Shan Lin, Han Zhen Jun hands over a copy of the Memorandum of Understanding to Hururu Toshao, Winsbert Benjamin in the presence of the Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai stakeholder entities and the village, and pledged to stick to the terms of the MoU, so as to move forward. The company has pledged to construct 2.5miles of roadway for the village, costing $12M, and will also sign on to being a good corporate citizen, that will support the village. It will also establish a sport facility, based on the needs

of the youths of the area. There will be no log harvesting on the 24.7 acres of land, and monitoring will be done by the Village Council, with the ministry’s having oversight, to ensure that the lease agreement be held in honour. The ministry plays an integral role in addressing any matter, which may come up during the lease agreement.

Gov’t remains resolute in improving Amerindians’ livelihood -Minister Benn

he Amerindians are the most ‘at risk’ group in Guyana and the ruling party is committed, despite all odds, to improve their livelihood and living standards. Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn made this pledge, during an address on Sunday, February 22 at the Kumaka Recreational Ground, Region One (Barima-Waini). “We recognize that our Amerindian peoples, throughout the country, need to access and benefit from all aspects of the social, economic and developmental spheres, irrespective of where they are living,” Minister Benn told residents. “The party I

represent has been making great efforts to improve their livelihood and living standard.” Stunted growth, Minister Benn added, is one that personally affects him. He admitted to the large crowd, that the combined opposition’s refusal to approve funds for hinterland airstrips’ maintenance was a thoughtless act, which has denied many Amerindians their basic rights. In 2014, GY $248M was allocated for rehabilitation of airstrips in Matthews Ridge, Imbaimadai and Kamarang, as well as for the maintenance of 43 airstrips in Regions One, two, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The minister, who is responsible for the transport sector, emphasised that the airstrips are critical for the movement of goods and services “in and out of these communities.” The failed Amalia Falls Hydropower project was also addressed by the minister. “Amalia was so important for our country. The light bill for all of us would be reduced, and particularly we would have savings for renewable sustaining energy projects. That way, we can make the Guyana Power and Light (GPL) facilitate available to communities that have inadequate power supply,” he disclosed.

Minister of Public Works Robeson Benn addressing residents of Kumaka, Region One There were a number of missed opportunities to attract new investments, the Public Works Minister further stated, as a result of not having cheap, renewable energy. Improved road network Approximately, GY$70M has been set

aside this year to improve the road networks in the Moruca sub-region, Minister Benn announced. “13.5 kilometers of new roads were developed in the area; however, some of them are not up to standard. We have to make a change. I have instructed my engineers so that we make that change quick-

ly,” Hon. Benn stated. Lamenting that General and Regional Election are less than three months away, Hon. Benn called for unity and peace. He also opined that the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) has the best talented, most committed, best leaders to move Guyana forward.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

APNU/AFC coalition-rooted in deception and bucks constitution A ttorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall, appearing on the “Political Scope” programme, explained the “Cummingsburg Accord” and its many questionable implications, as regards Guyana and the up-coming General and Regional Elections. Named after its place of realisation, this political tryst, formed by A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) (itself an umbrella group) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) has been described by AG Nandlall as “essentially a merger of the two major opposition parties in one political amalgam, with the expectation and intention of competing against the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) at the next elections.” He added that his belief is that “those who are the intellectual authors and designers of this arrangement see it as the vehicle by which the PPP/C can be ousted at the next General and Regional elections.” Illogical assumptions Minister Nandlall opined that this alliance of the Parliamentary Opposition is most fallacious in its reasoning. The last election, in 2011, saw the combined numbers of voters for these two parties barely nipping the incumbent’s tally. However, the AG pointed out that unlike mathematical logic, in politics, the sum of all the parts does not necessarily mean the ‘desired whole.’ This is because at the last General and Regional Elections, the motivation and incentives for voting for the AFC and APNU were quite different from what at present the coalition is appealing to. It should be noted that many voted for APNU because of seeming negative sentiments against the People’s National Congress (PNC). On the other hand, others went to the AFC, since the party was not going to merge with

anything that has a ‘ring of the PNC,’ and because it also promised a new third force, with freshness and vitality. However, this new alliance, according to the minister, betrays a number of negatives. For those who are still anti-PNC, and who cannot risk any tenure from its leaders again, they cannot go to the AFC, as this party is now subsumed in the alliance, which is vastly PNC in personnel and practice. At the level of human reasoning and logic, these candidates may either abstain or resort to the PPP/C, based on its track record alone. He explained that in their calculation is the idea they would be able to replicate that performance and that it is this thought that is driving them in this new, hasty and suddenly conjured arrangement.

Cummingsburg Accord and alliance A second important factor that the AG expounded on is that of the very core being of the alliance. Apart from thinking mere mathematically, the alliance, during its obscure in-house meetings never addressed issues and policies on the governance of Guyana. Primarily the two sides were waging a battle for powersharing, deeming this as ‘discussions and negotiations.’ In his view, the AG sees this kind of tussle as planning for the ‘sharing of the spoils’ of victory, assuming that mathematical logic prevails. On exposing the actual agreement, the minister highlighted that the very document is replete with a number of worrying concerns for the Guyanese electorate. Minister Nandlall stated that the Cummingsburg Accord, based upon what has been published, is essentially an agreement between the two political parties and that has no foundation in law, as “it is not grounded in the constitution.” He proposed that whether or not the

merger will bear the anticipated fruits is contingent on two main principles: first, its terms and conditions; and secondly, the actual character, personality, credentials, willingness, determination, and commitment of those who are part of it. The worrying aspect is the way that the two parties have come together and how unilaterally they have decided that they will essentially subvert the supreme law of the land, the Guyana Constitution. AG

Guyana, that he is the Head of State, and that he is Commander- in- Chief of the Armed Forces.” Thus what the alliance, with its accord is seeking to foist on the people, is not based on actualities of the laws of the country. In layman’s term, the minister pointed out that the Constitution vests in the President, the express freedom to appoint ministers of his choice and also the prime minister and vice president if he so wishes. So in reality, according

Attorney General (AG) and Minister of Legal Affairs Anil Nandlall Nandlall explained that the accord itself and the way that it distributes powers and shares Cabinet responsibilities are against constitutional provisions, which actually prescribe what the powers of the Presidents are, what the powers of the Prime Minister are, and how persons are appointed to the Cabinet. So then, the AG sees the document more as “intended to be a farce on the population,” adding that by itself, the document declares that the Presidential candidate will only and limitedly enjoy, if he becomes the president, reduced executive powers, and the Prime Minister, if the elections are won, expanded powers. He noted that the “Constitution of Guyana provides very clearly that the President is the Supreme Executive Authority of

to this accord, “these constitutional provisions have all now, been made redundant, as they collide with the constitution, (and we know that) it is the constitutional law that must prevail against any agreement or statue, so what we have is something that is void ab initio and unconstitutional, and therefore of no legal effect. Minister Nandlall expounded on a topic of tremendous gravitas, when he pointed out a few pertinent issues in the event of PPP/ C’s loss of governance. He detailed that for the accord to work, it has to rewrite the Guyana Constitution, and this cannot be done in a facile manner. He showed that legally for the alliance to have its way, “it will require a twothirds majority at a minimum, for anyone of those

provisions to be made a reality.” He went even further, showing that “some of them may require a referendum.” The AG intoned that he has “not seen in the agreement, any reference to constitutional amendments being effective (so as) to give effect to this accord, and in any event, one cannot predict that assuming that they, the coalition, should win the election, that they will enjoy a twothirds majority.” So that important question, according to the minister, has not been considered in the accord, and “it means that the Presidential candidate, in the form of Mr. David Granger, and the Prime Ministerial candidate, Moses Nagamootoo, have essentially publicly declared, that they are the two most powerful, intended constitutional office holders, and they have declared to the nation an intention, a willingness, and a preparedness to violate, flout and to subvert the constitution.” In this vein, the AG touched on the seriousness and sacredness of the Guyana Constitution, as “beginning with the President, he will be required to take an oath of the office, should the alliance win the election, and that oath of office binds him (and any other taking the oath), to uphold the Constitution of the land, but (he sees that) they have all bound themselves to another agreement that is violative, contrary, and in conflict with the Constitution.”

Opposition’s lawyers oblivious AG Nandlall expressed perplexity regarding the many constitutional and legal violations which have taken place in the Tenth Parliament, “notwithstanding the presence of so many lawyers in the opposition that it would appear that the presence of so many lawyers is a non sequitur to what actually unfolds.” This, he explained, is because there are two

important aspirants for the two most important constitutional offices of the land, holding up an agreement that binds them together and which agreement is violative of the constitution. In referring to AFC’s Khemraj Ramjattan and Nagamootoo, he said that these two gentlemen are lawyers and “they are telling the nation that we intend to violate the constitution, we intend to subvert the constitution, despite what the constitution says about what the powers of the President are, and what the powers of the Prime Minister are, (that is) we will disregard those constitutional provisions and we will bind ourselves to this (our own) arrangement.” On the other hand, the AG thinks that it could be that something is being “silently agreed to by these two individuals and their respective groupings, that this agreement is a farce and that it is never intended to be followed.” AG Nandlall declared that he is more attracted to the view that it is a farce, “because when one examines the agreement itself, then one is more likely to conclude that the thing is a sham.” In support of his view, he highlighted that the President is prepared to give up executive powers and instead hand over those powers to the Prime Minister, who will then enjoy and expand the powers. This kind of rationale is baffling and suspicious. He pointed out that this has to be so because “when you look at the respective political strengths of the two major parties in this union, you find that the strength of the PNC overwhelms that of the AFC, but yet when you examine what the AFC gets out of this political accord, it far outweighs its political strength.” Minister Nandlall exemplified this construct by noting that “we are told continued on page 9

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

APNU/AFC coalition-rooted in... that the Prime Ministerial candidate, who will come from (the lesser) AFC will enjoy this great expanded constitutional role and powers, as the AFC will get the Head of the Presidential Secretariat, they will get the powerful Ministry of Home Affairs, the powerful Ministry of Agriculture, and Ministry of Natural Resources, and those are the most powerful ministries in any government.” The list goes on and the AG pointed out that the AFC will get two vice presidents, in addition to being guaranteed 12 seats in the National Assembly. It should be noted, the minister pointed out, that the AFC, at its best, got just seven seats at the last elections, and so “I do not know by what stretch of imagination they can now get five more seats, as this accord gives them five more seats.” The flip side, explained Minister Nandlall, is that the PNC by themselves have been able to deliver 26 seats on their own strength in the previous election, and now here they are giving 12 seats; and on the last occasion, they gave five seats to the other members of APNU-the Justice For All party, the WPA, and the National Front Alliance, even though these are political parties, who by themselves could not get a seat in the parliament, so the PNC just gave them five, now we are told that the PNC will give AFC five, as I predict they will lose the elections but the AFC will get twelve seat.” In fact, the Attorney General invoked the assessment of the Founder/ Leader of the AFC Raphael Trotman, who was quoted in the newspapers as saying that the AFC “got much more than they bargained for.” In reinforcing his thinking about the nature and import of the alliance, the AG reiterated that this accord, based on details gleaned after carefully parsing and appraising it, “is a fraud on the Guyanese people and a farce, and it is never intended to be enforced nor executed,

because it is not in keeping with real politics.”

Bleak History For the minister, the accord is designed to induce a particular section of the population to get them to give their votes to the alliance, “but there is another component of it that we must examine also, and my humble view is that it will not work.” He detailed that the personalities and players involved will be crucial in determining whether or not any agreement will be actually enforced in practice, as “when you examine the record of the PNC, they had coalitions before, they had coalitions with the United Force (UF) in 1964, and it did not work, it lasted a few years and the leader of the PNC, at that time, Forbes Burnham, he made a public declaration that the PNC would never enter a coalition arrangement again.” Minister Nandlall recapped that during the governance of the PNC, all efforts at coalition politics were rejected, and on the contrary “the PNC kept themselves in power by rigged elections and use of authoritarian methods, employing instrumentalities like the army to keep this power.” He elaborated that the PNC resorted to violence to keep themselves in power, and so it is easy to deduce that “the party is rooted in an ideology, a history, and philosophy not to share power.” He pointed to a second feature, that is, that even when out of government, the PNC’s own internal politics was not to be trusted. Mr. Nandlall recalled that “all of the PNC’s congresses, even the last one, August of 2014, were marred with allegations of rigged elections, padding of the list, and disenfranchisement of large sections of the memberships of that party.” He highlighted that many leading political figures in the PNC came out and made very damaging statements about the internal democratic process of the party. For the AG, this means that “you have a po-

litical party, both in government and whilst it has been out of government, which has a long history and tradition of not being democratic, and instead being authoritarian, even in its own political structure and electoral processes.” The minister also focused on the AFC and its dubious nature, as well as its duplicity of character. Initially it came out as a party in 2006 “with certain fixed and publicly declared principles that were said to be the cornerstone upon which the party is built.” The party did state that it was going to be a third force, and that “they are going to be a new political culture, that they are going to bring to Guyana (this

AG Nandlall recalled that the AFC had said over the longest while and quite incessantly, that there will never be a fusion with another party. In fact, he still remembers, that just one month or so, before the accord was actually signed, Mr. Ramjattan, the leader of the party said that if the AFC should collate with the APNU, the AFC would be ‘Dead Meat.’ Mr. Nandlall concluded that the AFC is a party that is embroiled in internal ramblings, noting that “members once championed the cause of transparency, of good governance, of accountability.” However, as their many leaders keep resigning, their one common allegation hovers

tial candidate. The same he said obtained when the accord and the coalition were entered, that is “the party is being hijacked by four or five named individuals, and I say all of that, to deal with the quality of the players, who are part of the coalition, I say that to demonstrate that they have never, on both sides, demonstrated pro-democracy tendencies, they have not demonstrated that they are bound by any set of principles,” the AG lamented. Track record In concluding remarks, the AG repeated what he said that all Guyanese already know, that is, “the healthy PPP/C’s track record of progress and how

The Presidential and Prime Ministerial Candidates of the newly formed A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU-AFC) coalition culture), explaining that the symbol of a key, (was) the key to open Guyana’s future, to unchain the people of Guyana from the politics of the PNC and the PPP/C, and that they would never collate with the PPP/C nor the PNC, a party that will provide a new breath of fresh air and breeze, blowing through the democratic channels of our country.” However, the minister poignantly noted that “those very idealistic principles upon which that party was founded, all of those have been thrown through the window, by simply an invitation extended by the PNC to join them.” This for the AG is really “the lure of power.”

around a lack of transparency, a sense of accountability and high-handedness, by those in the upper echelons. Minister Nandlall went as far back as 2012, citing Berbician Haseef Yussuf, who left the party, and now only recently, Balwant Persaud, “all of them making the allegation that there is no accountability in that party, that there are no records of money that is received by the party, that the party acts in a high handed manner, that there is no consultation.” At the deeper level, the minister explained that there was no consultation, when Nagamootoo was made the AFC’s Presiden-

we have transformed the Guyanese economy and the lives of the Guyanese people over the last 22 years.” For the minister, this solid background covers all the sectors, “be it the agriculture, education, health and housing and you will see the transformational hand of the PPP/C at work.” He added that the Guyanese people are quite comfortable with the PPP/C administration, as “we are the known ones to be trusted, and we have a track record and we have touched the lives of Guyanese of every walk of life in this country, from one end to the other end.” AG Nandlall stated that Guyanese, wanting to

from page 8

be objective, can indeed point to something, either in their street, village or community and show the transformational developmental hand of this Guyana Government. He pointed out that on the other hand, “the amalgamation of two parties, the merger of two parties, one which has been in government and during that time rigged the elections in Guyana to stay in power, brought a country that was identified to be the breadbasket of the Caribbean, from that high position to one of bankruptcy… being the poorest country in the western hemisphere, second to Haiti , and in the interim, destroyed every single sector in the economy, and to keep itself in power, was prepared to do anything, and so has been implicated in various allegations of murder and assassination. This for the AG is the sordid record of the PNC and on the other hand, he said, you have the AFC, which is made up of some persons who have come from the PNC. The minister was not soft on those who defected from the PPP/C, to join forces elsewhere. He outlined them as “people who are bitter and feel that the people of Guyana owe them, and therefore they should enjoy government.” He pointed to the reality that “these few do not stick to any set of principles and that the very things that they speak about publicly, they do not practise them it in their own private political party.” He said that this kind of people are not in for the long haul, but “are here to try their hand and see whether they get political office, as their vision is short termed.” For Minister Nandlall there are just the two simple choices for the electorate: on one side, they have security, a great track record, and people to trust, where the PPP/C is concerned; on the other hand, there are the people who have impoverished Guyana and who would do anything to get their hands on the reins of government.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Health care repayment for MPs has occurred over decades – HPS

he recent revelations by the Stabroek News that over $200 million was refunded to ministers for health related services is simply an occurrence, that has been essentially happening over decades, according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon. Speaking at his weekly press briefing, Dr. Luncheon explained that it is a condition of service, which unfortunately is not written, of Cabinet members when appointed, to “take care of their health expenses.” It is applicable to public officers and government representatives abroad, he added, but noted the difference, in the conditions of service, in that the expense of Cabinet members is not rule-based. He admitted that a rulebased system is a better option, rather than what has prevailed over the decades, and “Not the PPP/C administration of Guyana, and these benefits, these conditions indeed have ex-

tended beyond members of Cabinet, to all and sundry, particularly MPs, particularly members of the opposition.” The Cabinet Secretary also challenged any opposition parliamentarian to say that the same facility has not been extended to “legions of parliamentarians, their families for health and other emergency considerations. We have even extended it to benefit members, who even in parliament, and are not the holders of constitutional posts.” He added that while he did not want to engage in selective name calling, unlike some media houses, as the evidence exists to back up his statement, as “We can produce from the beginning of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic administration, every single recipient, who has enjoyed access to this facility.” He emphasised that the process is discretionary and not rule-based. The Ministry of Health as well had voiced, what it

Flask back 2013: Health Ministry medevacs AFC Executive Nigel Hughes from the interior, after a heart attack called “it absolute conster- an insensitive and inimination at the unethical and cal culture of journalism, disingenuous exposure of towards the Government private medical details,” of Guyana and the ruling concerning selected gov- People’s Progressive Party ernment officials. Civic (PPP/C). The ministry in a reThe Ministry of Health lease noted that certain noted that it is well estabmedia outlets and person- lished that private details, nel, in taking ‘cheap shots’ particularly those dealing for political mileage, have with the health and finance revealed not only their of citizens, are not normalpolitical biases, but also ly exposed, except under

certain ‘extreme’ conditions, and even so, not in a manner to besmirch people’s character, nor negatively sway public opinion against any person or group. “It should be recalled that in May 2009, Alliance for Change (AFC) Chairman Khemraj Ramjattan did inquire about the PNCR Leader Robert Corbin’s medical expenses being offset by the government, stating that a substantial amount of taxpayers’ dollars has been spent, and that ‘there must be a balance between that and accountability,’ the release said. “However, at the time, he was met with silence concerning the nature of Mr. Corbin’s health issues and the sum of the expense incurred,” the release added. It said that, in this vein, the Ministry of Health highlights that it is not ‘decent’ to expose these sensitive issues, as they can redound to both medical and impecunious embar-

rassment. However, some media operatives went this route, clearly targeting a select few from the ruling party, and in so doing have engendered unease among the family members and other concerned relatives and friends. The Health Ministry not only condemned the behaviour of those responsible for the report, and deems their actions as ‘vendetta for no known reason,’ but the release said that the Health Ministry also sees the reportage as intentionally skewed (with portions being mischievously selected), incomplete, and with ulterior and sinister motives. Also, it should be emphasised that the Ministry of Health embraces and practises a policy, to render assistance indiscriminately and in a holistic manner, depending upon the nature of the medical condition and the financial needs of those seeking to obtain same, the release said.

GINA rejects Kaieteur News’ scandalous assertions

he Government Information Agency (GINA) has dismissed as ‘scandalous assertions’ the pronouncements by the Kaieteur News in its Monday, March 02, 2015 edition, regarding “The Guyanese.” a fortnightly newspaper, distributed freely for the Diaspora in New York. The Kaieteur News’ article accused GINA, of launching, under questionable circumstances, the New York edition newspaper late last year. According to the article, GINA used, without Parliament’s approval, $250M to establish the publication that is “carrying propaganda from the ruling party.” In its response, GINA forthrightly stated that such pronouncements are “glaring examples of the Kaieteur News’ proclivity to engage in sensationalism, to deliberately misinform and to publish falsehoods.” In addition, GINA said the article remained steadfast to the Kaieteur News’ thrust to “vilify and besmirch the character of government officials.” GINA rejected the Kaieteur News’ “mischievous assertion with regards to the sum spent on ‘The Guyanese’ newspaper, and is not unmindful of the numer-

A copy of the last edition of the Guyanese Newspaper ous inaccuracies contained in the article in question.” “The Kaieteur News should be reminded that GINA has a mandate to provide information pertinent to government’s programmes and policies to all Guyanese. Since its establishment, GINA has been

producing literature, including local newspapers, for free distribution, as part of its mandate. These publications remain in demand,” the release stated. Only last October, GINA launched a new developmental oriented magazine, of the same name, “The Guyanese.” This inflight magazine is produced with all Guyanese in mind, including the Diaspora. With regard to “The Guyanese” newspaper, GINA stated that its production is within its mandate and funded from the agency’s budget. The first edition was October 10, 2014. “The initiative to produce the newspaper is premised on the fact that the Diaspora is an important part of our society and an equally important partner in development. Like every Guyanese, aside from those residing here, the Diaspora is constitutionally entitled to receive information pertaining to Guyana’s development,” the release said. It also noted that, “the Diaspora has been subjected to allegations of lies, half truths and innuendos published in the Kaieteur News, which produces a weekly edition for free distribution in New York.” It added that, “the Kaieteur News’

real motive, to publish the article alluded to becomes suspicious, especially since it has never in the past questioned previous publications. It therefore begs the question that since October last year, why only now would the Kaieteur News choose to concoct an article, permeated with unsubstantiated information regarding ‘The Guyanese’ newspaper.” “The Guyanese” newspaper is distributed from over one hundred locations in New York, and the feedback of its impact has been overwhelmingly positive, the GINA release said. “It has been welcomed by Guyanese residing there, who have expressed their satisfaction with this initiative. It is in this context that GINA believes that the sole reason for the Kaieteur News’ fabrication, through the article, is probably because it feels that its financial viability may be threatened, given that its impact in New York is beginning to wane,” the release noted. GINA also said that given the scandalous nature of the Kaieteur News’ article in question, and the wanton attack on two government officials, it has sought the advice of its lawyers.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

UN Good Officer Process “pretty much abandoned”

- Gov’t mulls alternatives to address Venezuela’s latest claims

overnment is actively considering alternatives to put the issue of the Venezuelan territorial claims to rest, once and for all. This is according to Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his presentations at the weekly post-Cabinet briefing. Government’s action follows the neighbouring country’s writing to the head of the Exxon Petroleum Company, voicing its objection to any drilling operations, in what it views as disputed maritime territory, a claim that Guyana soundly rejects. Dr. Luncheon explained that government “has not really been getting very far with the Good Offices and its facility. Indeed if I fol-

low the line, we have pretty much, and this is a conclusion, we have pretty much exhausted, what could indeed come from the good offices and as Somerset Maugham says, ‘We have laboured, but produced a mouse”. He added that a significant impact has not been made on addressing the controversy. The Geneva Accord of 1966, it was explained, does provide a range of mechanisms, one of which the Cabinet Secretary said was agreed to, the aforementioned Good Offices Process. Government is now “combing those sections of the accord” to examine and identify alternatives that will allow Guyana to “move along this continuum that

Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr Roger Luncheon at one end, where we are, and you present your case which has a predominance and an impartial tribunal, of the bilateral ties, we and jurist, legal system considour Venezuelan counterpart ers our mutual submissions under the auspices of the and makes a ruling, hopeUN Secretary General and fully a binding ruling.” over to the other extreme, According to Dr. where we surrender to a Luncheon, despite the passprocess; a judicial process, ing of Dr. Norman Girvan, where we present our case who oversaw the Good

Officer Process, government has not abandoned it, but is “realistic” about its outcome. He noted that if after all of the years and an apparent lack of progress, it may be time to “think outside of the box” and look at other options. This is the current position being advanced by the Foreign Affairs ministry, he added. Consequent upon the communication being sent from the Venezuelan Foreign Minister to the Country Manager of Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited objecting to the dispatch of a rig to proceed with the exploration of an oil well in the concession granted by the Government of Guyana,

the Government of Guyana has dispatched a Note Verbale to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested that the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela desist from taking any actions that could only result in the stymying of the development of Guyana and its people and that would be in contravention of international law. The Ministry has also informed Caribbean Community (CARICOM,) the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR,) the Organisation of American States (OAS,) the Commonwealth as well as the United Nations Secretary General about this recent action by Venezuela.

‘I am ready for the challenge’ – says PPP/C’s Prime Ministerial candidate

overning People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Prime Ministerial candidate, Elisabeth Harper, says that she is honored to be selected by President Donald Ramotar to be the party’s Prime Ministerial candidate. Harper says that she is excited to have the opportunity to serve in another capacity, to develop Guyana. “An opportunity to serve” is the PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate’s general summation of the opportunity before her, that is, a challenge for which she is ready and one that has already inspired a seven-point priority list. “This opportunity if it does present itself, would allow me to use my four decades of experience building Guyana’s reputation around the world, to contribute even further to Guyana’s development, in particular, the honing of policies to create more jobs, ensuring that educational opportunities be available to all Guyanese, reducing crime and helping to create an environment, where families are whole, and an environment which would encourage our young people to stay and help build

their country,” Harper said, in her first interview, broadcast on the National Communications Network (NCN). Harper, who was interviewed by Olive Gopaul said that she is “ready for the challenge, and whatever I put my mind to, I like to succeed. This is not for Elisabeth Harper. This is for all the women out there who see me as the first woman prime minister. This is for Guyana, the country in which I have lived and worked for almost four decades.” Harper, on the same confident note, declared her ticket, relative to social issues, many of which constitute hot-button debates in Guyana, which will form part of her list of priorities. At the top of her list of seven, are education, jobs, crime, support for the elderly and economic growth. According to Harper, advancing the development of Guyana’s improving education system is an area that must continue to receive the attention of those in positions to advance change. She pointed out that Guyana’s successes to date have been recognised by

none less than the United Nations (UN), whose head had extended an invitation to incumbent Head of State, President Donald Ramotar, to sit on an education reform council. “Education is a definite priority,” Harper posited. The creation of more jobs, she added, in both the technical/vocational field and further afield is another

policy for crime, there must also be a focus on stronger families. “We must have certain things in place,” Harper said. Each of the outlined issues, she added, is as important as care for the elderly. “We must acknowledge the contributions that the elderly have made to Guyana and we must respect that and honour them.”

Elisabeth Harper being interviewed by Olive Gopaul essential issue that must be addressed and will have spin-off benefits for the development of the country as a whole. These two, jobs and education, will assist in the reduction of Guyana’s crime rate. “We must have a zero tolerance,” the PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate stressed. She explained that for there to be a zero-tolerance

Harper drew a few personal references at this point, disclosing that she herself cared for her mother until she was 91 years old, a woman who had Alzheimer’s disease, a condition that did not make her care an easy task. “I know what it is for the elderly to need care, sometimes full-time care, and support. My mother had Alzheimer’s and that

took us to another level…it is my passion and my husband’s passion, it is important,” she said. A more recent memory, her last position of employ, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informed the fifth issue on her list: that of the preservation of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. “Given my background and what has been done in the last five years to preserve, protect and maintain Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity (this is what informed me),” Harper said, adding that there have also been successes in securing international support for this endeavour. Next up was the issue that almost every Guyanese has an interest in, the economy, and according to the PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate, continued and sustained economic growth is key to building Guyana and positioning the country for a bright future, one that encourages investments and one, more importantly, that is marked by stability. Harper exclaimed that the last social issue is something of personal import, that of domestic violence, the subject of a

story she has been able to tell and will continue telling, if it means support for another woman. “Domestic violence is real,” she declared, recalling her first marriage and the “abuse” that characterised it, even as she maintained her respect for her former spouse, given that he remains the father of her children. “He was abusive. I felt it was not right to subject myself or children to that unhealthy environment,” the PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate said. She added, “My being able to tell my story, I feel that I could encourage women and interest groups in society to help to rid us of this; also help young women who are looking for role models who are looking to empower themselves.” Her sentiments were expressed with the same confidence as when she commented on being able to come out of the May 11 General and Regional Elections and becoming Guyana’s first female prime minister when she said that “This is for all the women out there, who see me as the first woman prime minister.”

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

From the doldrums…rice now boiling over

ice is as very much inextricably a part of Guyana’s sociocultural-economic history, as is sugar the symbol of the working class struggle. As a vital contributor to the national economy, it is the livelihood of over 150,000 Guyanese, comprising farmers of varying scales of production, and their support labour. The importance of rice is manifested by its growth and production, as vast areas along the coastland are under cultivation. Early boom Rice, as an industry, became a formidable sector of the country’s economy, primarily because of the visionary foundation, established by that indomitable fighter for working class freedom, the late president of Guyana, Dr Cheddi Jagan, during the period of his 1957-64 administration. During this time, rice production expanded from 137,000 tonnes to 240,000, and also there were better

dustry were due to the fact that persons, who were au fait with rice farming and the dynamics of the industry, were responsible for its management and production, as exemplified by the composition of the Rice Marketing Board, the then governing authority for the industry, and the Rice Producers Association. In other words, rice was in the hands of persons who knew about rice; it was their business. This seminal lesson however was lost when the People’s National Congress came to government in late 1964. Industry tumbles The industry had been professionally managed, in accordance with good agricultural practices, practical know how, and it had led to bountiful harvests in its pre-independence years. However, it was in a state of shocking and precipitous decline by the time the PPP/C had returned to of-

Experimental plots of new rice varieties yields (acreage turnover), as well as an increase in a better quality of rice. But these successes would not have been were it not for the large scale land reforms and the establishing of proper infrastructures. There was also the securing of the very profitable Cuban market, which at the time actually led to accusations that the then People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Government was having ties with the then Fidel Castro Communist Regime. Proper management and expertise The successful growth and development of the in-

fice by 1992. It was evident that the PNC Government perceived the industry through wholly political eyes, rather than continuing to ensure and support its prosperous growth and development, as had been the case, during the 1957-64 period of the Jagan Administration. Stagnated Its signalling intention began with replacing the GRMB with PNC party members. Other ominous signs included the reduction of rice prices paid to farmers, neglect of improving requisite infrastructures (particularly drainage and irrigation and access

roads), and an absence of land reforms. And as Guyana gradually descended into the abyss of a dictatorship, with the inevitable socio-economic consequences, such as foreign exchange shortage, much needed spare parts for the industry became a problem. The last issue was even more compounded by the fact that the government had been the distributors for tractors, spare parts, fuel and fertilizers. Also government-owned mills were not prompt in paying rice farmers.

Loss of markets-farmers abandon industry These serious instances gravely impacted on the industry, so much so, that by 1988, hectares under cultivation was 36,000, falling from a peak of 100,000 in 1964 under the then PPP administration. A casualty of this destruction of one of the national economic planks was the failure to supply the rice quota to the CARICOM market and the EEC. Thus, by 1992, many rice farmers had ‘had enough’ of an industry that became unproductive, as well as uneconomical, for them to remain in, and whereas some migrated, others converted to mostly cash crop business. Re-birth of rice Fast forward twenty two years later, and rice, as an industry, has again risen to pre-eminence in Guyana, recording its highest level of production, since the beginning of its renaissance in 1992. Production figures for 2014 have been declared at an astounding 630,000 tonnes, a level of 95,000 tonnes more than 2013’s figure. It is instructive to note that at the moment, over 200,000 acres is under cultivation. In productive terms, this represents yields of about 5.5 tonnes per hectare, in comparison with the 2-3 tonnes per acre, during the former PNC government’s tenure in office. This can be called the finest hour for the industry, which now contributes approximately 13% of Guy-

President Donald Ramotar inspecting paddy and rice varieties at an open day held at Mahaica Mahaicony Abary ana’s GDP. tial of government’s sup- in other countries, particuport for this important eco- larly African countries. We Gov’t’s wholehearted nomic contributor has been are presently negotiating a support in securing markets for the supply of more than 70,000 So what has been re- farmers, and its astute man- tonnes to one African counsponsible for what is in- agement of the industry try. While we leave the prideed the re-birth of this that has resulted in favour- vate sector to service the currently booming sector? able market prices and divi- market, the government has Without any bugle sound dends. There are now lucra- been opening up these marof triumphalism, its resur- tive markets in Venezuela, kets,” Agriculture Minister gence proper commenced accounting for a reported Dr Leslie Ramsammy said with the return to office of 58% of Guyana’s rice. recently. the PPP/C. “Today, our market is This historic event, made up of a diversified Proper drainage and a watershed in Guyana’s portfolio of export destinairrigation-land reform modern political history, tions. These destinations inBut no industry, such signalled a renewed interest clude a wider complement as rice, can progress to the for those farmers, who had of European countries, all levels of success as it has still continued to plant rice, of the Caribbean countries, been in Guyana, without and hoped for a change in including Haiti, Venezuela, essential attention paid to fortunes. And in this re- Brazil, Columbia, Panama, cleaning and maintenance. gard, the government has Belize, Nicaragua, Guate- To this end, new drainage led the way forward, con- mala, and other countries. and irrigation channels tributing to the immense Small amounts are be- were established by the Nasuccess of the industry. ing shipped to the Middle tional Drainage and IrrigaEast, Africa, the USA and tion Authority (NDIA), alSecuring markets Canada. During 2015, we lied with much needed land Perhaps the most essen- will add sizeable markets continued on page 13

Rice being loaded for export

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

New Education Bill to address specific - including hinterland-President needs of communities the world, and we think we have synergies with Brazil in that regard, in the areas that they operate.” Meanwhile the president registered his satisfaction with the strides made in the education sector in hinterland communities. He noted that the hinterland

are secondary schools, with dormitories, where children are provided with free meals and textbooks, to aid in their learning process. The $780M Kato Secondary School in Region Eight, with its accompanying dormitory, will soon be completed. This modern in-

with the lowest dropout rates. In addition, Guyana is said to be the country in the Caribbean and South America with the highest enrollment rate for nursery education. Meanwhile, in an effort to bring the hinter-

Annai Secondary School, Region 9 mong the People’s crafted to meet the needs of Parliament (in November Progressive Party hinterland school. 2014), he was hopeful that Civic (PPP/C) adThe president said that the combined opposition ministration’s plan for the discussion on curriculum would have yielded to calls education sector is cur- reform was among some for dialogue, with the aim riculum reform, to meet the of his administration’s plan of going back to parlianeeds of different segments for the education sector, ment, to deal with imporof the population, one of and witch he had hoped tant pieces of legislation. which is hinterlands stu- to address during the 10th In the meantime, Presidents, and this was expect- Parliament. dent Ramotar said the ed to have been addressed, Among the bills which administration is making during the 10th Parliament, were to be tabled in the small moves in this area, whose life was unfortunate- National Assembly was the as it has an agreement with ly cut short. new Education Bill, which the Caribbean Examination During an interactive would have given consider- Council (CXC), to have session with youths on the ation to the different areas Portuguese incorporated National Communications of education, and most im- into the curriculum. The Network’s programme “At portantly the relevant needs president noted that should Home with the President,” of various communities. be done by 2016. the Head of State was asked The president said “As you know, we borabout the possibility of a when he made the deci- der Brazil, which has one different curriculum being sion to prorogue the 10th of the largest economies in

The Kato Secondary School, Region Eight, that will be completed shortly has moved from a place with little to no school, to where almost every Amerindian community has primary and nursery schools. In the hinterland, there are 12 secondary schools, with another coming on-stream soon. In most regions, there

stitution will cater for 400 students, 250 of whom will be accommodated at the dormitory. President Ramotar added that already these investments are speaking well for Guyana as it is the country in the Caribbean and South America

land students on par with the rest of the country, the president noted that plans are on-stream for more technical institutes. Soon, it is expected, that such an institute will be established in St. Ignatius, Region Nine, to benefit youths in that region.

From the doldrums…rice now boiling...

from page 12

reform through the Mahaica, Mahaicony, Abary/Agriculture Development Authority (MMA/ADA) and the Guyana Sugar Corporation. This important initiative has resulted in less loss during the rainy season.

New varieties The twin factor science and technology has been an indispensable ally in the successful growth of the modern rice industry. This intervention, spearheaded by the scientific and technical staff of the industry, has been responsible for the introduction of four highyielding rice varieties in the past three years, under the management of the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB), which is responsible for the management of the rice industry. Identified as the GRDB

9, 10, 11, 12, these new strains have found favour with rice farmers and now account for 60 percent of cultivation of new varieties. Their yields are as high as 60 bags per acre. With the new rice variety, the GRDB 14, now being introduced in the 2015 upcoming crop, it is expected that yields would increase even further. There is also the recent introduction of the aromatic varieties, adding to the exponential production of rice.

Rice ready for harvesting Constraints The industry has also surpassed for the first time 600,000 tonnes of actual production and 500,000 tonnes of actual export. The truism then that rice was too big to fail, is indisputably applicable to the national rice industry. Therefore, the return to government of the PPP/C can only be hailed as an act of providence. It redounded in rescuing the rice industry from the abject position of neglect and wholesale mismanagement that it suffered during the

dictatorship era. Though there are tremendous gains in the industry, in terms of production and productivity, President Donald Ramotar recently acknowledged that there are challenges with markets, as with the same success come challenges. “We have to recognise that we are a small player on the international market, and we are price takers… and we don’t determine international prices, and therefore it means that we have to do things in order

to make sure our viability, we have to do things more efficiently.” Minister Ramsammy, speaking on limitations in the industry, stated that “…the major constraint in entering a competitive international trade regime is that these require waiting for payments. Our international trading partners have requirements that necessitate a waiting period for payments. This situation has created hardships for the industry, resulting in millers and exporters not paying the farmers on time…the government has not been on the sidelines, doing nothing. Indeed, even though the cultivation, milling and processing and export have been exclusively in the hands of the private sector, the PPP/C government has intervened

to facilitate the industry and reduce the impact of late payments.” As illustrated above, the PPPC has been instrumental in providing farmers with the means to make their industry viable and prosperous. Never before, were rice production and export levels able to attain the magnificent numbers as are current. This has enabled the farmers and millers to replace old equipment and introduce new technologies. This industry is now being managed by a well established GRDB, supported by a plethora of technical expertise and allied skills that have been instrumental in making this sector the magnificence that it is. From all indication, the industry is expected to sustain its record achievements.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana not required to attend FATF February plenary review

- successfully completes 1st round of AML/CFT compliant process

uyana has satisfied the first round of the Financial Action Task Force’s (FATF’s) ongoing Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance process. This was announced by Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Roger Luncheon, during his recent weekly post-Cabinet briefing, at the Office of the President. As part of its ongoing

review of compliance with the AML/CFT standards, the FATF had identified a number of countries (including Guyana), which have strategic AML/CFT deficiencies. Guyana, for its part, had failed to achieved Caribbean Financial Action Task Force’s (CFATF) and FATF’s anti money laundering legislation, following the opposition’s nonsupport for the legislation in parliament. The country however,

avoided blacklisting, after government committed to developing and implementing an action plan with the FATF, towards becoming complaint. In the plan, which was adopted in FATF’s October 2014 plenary, Guyana committed to undertaking a series of measures, dealing primarily with the non-legislative aspects of compliance. Dr. Luncheon explained, however, that at the FATF February 2015 plenary held in Paris, dur-

ing which a report was tendered by the CFATF on Guyana’s implementation of its action plan, it was noted that Guyana was no longer asked to attend. Dr. Luncheon explained that it was agreed that Guyana would not need to attend the February plenary, because in its report to CFATF, the American Areas Review Group, which was overseeing Guyana’s performance of its action plan, reported that the country was suc-

cessful in advancing the case for its completion of those actions that were due by February. “What that means today, post-February is that the next evaluation period for the action plan is May 2015, and again there are specific measures, that Guyana has committed to be implemented and completed by that date,” Dr. Luncheon explained. “It is May that we will confront the next hurdle in completing the entire tar-

geted review process,” he said, recalling as well, that September 2015 is essentially the “drop dead date.” This is the date that Guyana has committed to have enacted FATF compliant anti-money laundering legislation. Dr. Luncheon said that this is a commitment that the PPP/C government made to FATF, and one that it will pursue in the 11th Parliament.

GuySuco to release lands for housing Guyana/Uruguay agree to - to enable CH&PA to meet its obligation abolish visa requirement he Ministry of Nevertheless, the charge the housing drive

Housing and Water’s Central Housing and Planning Authority (CH&PA) has approached the Guyana Sugar Corporation (Guy-

CH&PA has made it clear, that access to land is now threatening the housing drive. “Every day there are complaints: we have ap-

and obligations, across the whole of Guyana, including the hinterland. The reach out to GuySuco is a means to obtain available lands for con-

The now densely populated Diamond housing scheme was once canefields. Suco) for the resideration lease of lands, to so that the meet housing needs across plied and we are waiting,” CH&PA would meet its the country. the HPS noted. obligation in this issue, This was revealed by Even with the One Stop the HPS declared. Head of the Presiden- Shops, he explained, there Under the PPPC tial Secretariat Dr. Roger is a backlog “in no mean Administration about Luncheon, during his re- order and land is neces- 100,000 Guyanese famicent weekly media brief- sary for a developmental lies have received house ing at the Office of the task, that is unquestion- lots in several regions President. ably benefitting Guyanese including Regions Two, The HPS pointed out from all walks of life.” Three, Four, Five, Six, that whilst there are many With the efforts of the Seven, Eight and Ten. development achieve- administration’s response On these areas developed ments by the People’s to the housing drive, he for housing purposes, the Progressive Party/Civic explained that whilst Guy- government has spent administration over its Suco has available lands, huge amounts of money years in office, none can this could be made avail- for infrastructural develtouch its achievement in able for the CH&PA. This opment, and the lots are the housing development. would then enable it to dis- also subsidised.

inister of Foreign Affairs of Guyana, Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, His Excellency Luis Almagro Lemes, have signed a Framework Agreement for Cooperation between the two countries and an agreement for the Abolition of Visa Requirement for the Holders of Ordinary Passports. The agreements were signed on February 26, 2015, in the margins of the Twenty-Sixth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, held in the Bahamas, from 26-27 February 2015. The Government of Guyana’s delegation to the Conference of Heads was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The Framework Agreement would allow for the consolidating and promotion of cooperative relations between the two countries in areas of common interest, including economic, commercial, financial, industrial, agricultural, scientific, technical and cultural fields. The Visa Abolition Agreement, which comes into effect 60 days after its

signature, would allow citizens from both countries to enter each other’s territory for a period of ninety (90) days without requiring a Visa. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carolyn RodriguesBirkett and Luis Almagro Lemes, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uruguay signing the agreement The Government of Guyana has been actively pursuing the strengthening of relations with countries of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), especially since the Constitutive Treaty was signed in 2008.

The two agreements bode well for further integration of which the ability of citizens to move among the different countries of the continent, without the hassle of visa restrictions, is fundamental.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana’s beauty mesmerises film and documentary crews

“G

uyana: South America Undiscovered” continues to woo international film and documentary crews annually, in search of unique experiences, captivating cultures, unparalleled beauty and bold adventures. Quite recently, a filming crew from GM Productions, out of the United States, concluded filming for a new documentary titled “The Obsession of Carter Andrews” to be aired on the Outdoor Channel in May 2015. The Sport Fishing Documentary was shot in the Rewa Area, North Rupununi, and follows renowned angler and guide, Carter ‘Big Boy’ Andrews, as he tackles his single obsession: fishing. With a household reach of 40 million, the Outdoor Channel spotlights Carter, who journeyed to Guyana to wrangle our ‘ river monsters.’ He has led expeditions with friends and clients to 15 different countries, and manages nearly 300 days of fishing annually, and he has earned

the reputation of being the most ‘complete’ angler on the water today. Indeed, Destination Guyana continues to receive international recognition, and the country also made its way into several renowned magazines. The Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority, Mr. Indranauth Haralsingh, was quick to highlight the benefits such international exposure will have for the country, with efforts to promote Guyana as a sport fishing destination being well underway. “Guyana will be featured on the Outdoor Channel for the first time. Often called the “Land of Many Waters” or the “Big River Country,” Guyana’s rivers are still unspoilt and Sport Fishing is a new area of tourism attraction in Guyana, with many unchartered river terrains, virgin to man,” Mr. Haralsingh explained. Meanwhile, In Focus Asia film crew were also in Guyana in January to complete shooting of the Monster fish Season Six, to be aired on the Nation-

Carter Andrews and his catch in the Rewa River, Guyana al Geographic Channel. In his quest to save the world's big fish, aquatic ecologist, Zeb Hogan, has wrangled what is currently the world's biggest known freshwater species, the Mekong Giant Catfish. But is it really the biggest? We'll join Zeb as he travels the globe, seeking out the leading contenders, in a quest to better understand them, as he fights to protect them. It is a heart-pounding adventure, as Zeb heads into some remote areas and wild waters, braving pira-

nha, crocodiles, and a host of other hazards across the globe. Along the way, he will explore the local haunts and find out how these massive creatures figure into the local culture-the lore surrounding them, their role in the ecosystem, awesome physical features, strange behavior, and the surprising cycles of life that transform a thumb-sized larvae into a 400-pound beast. Additionally, the award-winning GEOBASS series will be filmed in

Guyana in March-The crew continue to look for undiscovered locations, and new ways to find and catch fish like no one has before. They will keep risking life and limb to make their dream of catching bass around the world a reality. Follow along as these ‘ambassadors of adventure’ travel further out of their comfort zones to the outer reaches of Guyana in the Rewa area- this documentary will be featured on the Outdoor Channel.

Rewa Village is situated on the confluence of the Rewa and Rupununi Rivers. This remote Amerindian settlement is a fast growing tourism destination, known for its wildlife and fishing adventures. All of the fresh water fish species known to the Amazon Region can be found in the Essequibo, Rupununi and Rewa Rivers including the Payara, Arowana, Himara, and what is considered by professional anglers worldwide as the world’s most popular fresh water game fish, the Peacock Bass (Lukanani). The Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority are working extensively to develop the various tourism products as well as niche products, including sport fishing, yachting and bird watching, in an effort to further propel Guyana onto the international scene. Several other film and documentary crews and publications are expected during the year, notable among them are Discovery Channel, Outpost Magazine, BBC, and CBS

Guyana positioned as a premier travel and adventure destination

“G

uyana: South America Undiscovered” will cement its position as a premier travel and adventure destination, while attending the 11th Annual Washington D.C. Travel and Adventure Show, on March on 7 and 8, at the Washington Convention Centre. This marks the second time that Guyana is participating in the event, known over the world as the place ‘travel lovers come for travel inspiration, expert information and fun, cultural interaction.’ The delegation is headed by Indranauth Haralsingh, Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), and includes representa-

tives from private tour operators, Wilderness Explorers and Dagron Tours. While at the Travel Show, individuals and groups will discover thousands of authentic travel experiences and speak directly to the travel experts who can plan their dream travel destination. The Washington D.C. Travel and Adventure Show is counted among the largest shows of the region and anticipates the presence of travel services and solutions, travel planning services, tourism related products and services and all that fall within the regime of travel and tourism. The show is star marked by the presence of celebrity travellers, who share their

opinions and views on various tourist destinations and aspects surrounding travelling. The event fosters direct interaction and communication with the speakers and expert travellers. The Ministry of Tourism and the GTA are encouraging travellers the world over to put Guyana on their list of places to visit in 2015, to experience the uniqueness and authenticity of the country’s tourism product. Last year, Guyana was featured in National Geographic Traveler Magazine on its Best of the World list, which features 20 destinations to visit in 2014, and was ranked among the best destinations for extraordinary adventure.

Adventure Team rappelling off of Kaieteur Falls. It doesn't get more adventurous than this!

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Region Five on the move…

Region Five (Mahaica/Berbice) is one of the most productive agriculture regions in Guyana. Benefitting from several of government’s interventions, including infrastructure upgrade, the region has become more economically viable, and today boasts the title of the highest rice producing region.

Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration The three-hundred housing capacity, Hugo Chavez Centre for Rehabilitation and Reintegration, for the homeless at Onverwagt, is another initiative that caters for the

Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Centre Mahaicony Technical and Vocational Centre is strategically located, thereby ensuring the advancement and promotion of technical training for interested persons in Region Five.

Mahaicony Cottage Hospital The upgraded Mahaicony Cottage Hospital, with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment services, gives timely attention to residents from the immediate and surrounding communities.

Woodley Park Secondary School Annex The new Woodley Park Secondary School Annex, housing more than 150 students, including those of Woodley Park and Rosignol, has increased education opportunities in Region Five. New sub-station at Mahaicony The new sub-station at Mahaicony is geared towards improving the quality of electricity supply and system stability, improved voltage regulation, and the critical aspect of reduction of technical losses.

DeHoop Primary School This modern primary school is equipped with a computer lab and library, and other facilities.

DeHoop Well Pant This well offers clear, potable water to residents of the community of DeHoop, Mahaica

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Ithaca Health Centre A modern health centre at Ithaca is catering to the health needs of the residents of that and surrounding communities

Fort Wellington Magistrate’s Court The establishment of a magistrate’s court at Fort Wellington has precluded the need for residents to travel to New Amsterdam to have their legal matters heard.

Onverwagt Fire Station Region Five’s safety and protection from fires have been bolstered by its first fire station, built at Onverwagt.

Cotton Tree Water Treatment Facility Built at a cost of $400M, this plant allows residents in the community and surrounding areas to access clean, clear drinking water.

Mahaicony Bridge The Mahaicony Bridge is one of two large fixed structures (the other being at Mahaica) that were together built at a cost of US$6.7M. The bridges were built seven feet above the high tide level, in order to facilitate passage of small vessels.

Three-Door Sluice, Retrieve, Mahaicony The three-door Sluice at Retrieve, increases drainage capacity, on the right bank of the Mahaicony River.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Rodney’s death The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

abinet, during its statutory meeting on Tuesday, March 3, 2015, agreed to extend the Dr. Walter Rodney Commission of Inquiry (COI) beyond June 2015. Head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger Luncheon recently announced that the COI will now end on July 31, 2015. The HPS added that the proceedings thus far have been illuminating, with the

face of the openness of this quasi judiciary, the hearing has not addressed the glaring gap,” Dr. Luncheon stated. He also questioned why the surviving PNC government and party personalities of that era have not risen to the occasion to testify as yet. “What is preventing them from so doing, from being present and testifying at the hearing during this inquiry?” he further asked.

and government officials of that era, and who have survived, to come forward voluntarily.” On the issue of the financial obligation to the COI, the HPS stated that once the life is extended, provision will be made to accommodate the financial obligation until July 31. Thirty-four years after his death, the COI into the death of historian Dr. Walter Rodney began hearings

… HPS queries why surviving PNC personalities of that era have not yet volunteered to testify before COI

is Attorney Basil Williams, with Christopher Ram representing the Working People’s Alliance. Keith Scotland represents the brother of the late Dr. Rodney, Donald Rodney, whilst Andrew Pilgrim represents the widow and children of the late historian. The purpose of the hearing before the commission is to receive testimony and evidence, from interested parties, to enable it to examine the facts and circumstances immediately prior, at the time of, and subsequent to, the death of Dr. Walter Rodney, in order to determine, as far as possible, who or what was responsible for the explosion, resulting in the death of Dr. Walter Rodney. The Commission will also inquire into the cause of the explosion that killed Dr. Rodney and who was responsible, and who may have facilitated the departure of Gregory Smith, (who is said to have been

The car in which walter rodney was killed body of evidence unveiled pointing squarely to the Burnham-led government’s involvement in the death of Dr. Rodney in June 1980. Witnesses appearing before the Commission and members of the public itself have testified strongly about the then People’s National Congress’ (PNC’s) role in Dr. Rodney’s death. “The remaining gaps are so visible that Guyanese must be wondering why in the

The HPS pointed out that Robert Corbin, Joseph Harmon and David Granger in particular, have apparently delinked participation “even in the face of what appears to be their involvement, attested to by previous witnesses,” the HPS pointed out. He explained that the extension to July 31, 2015 still leaves the door open, providing opportunities “for the PNC party

on April 28, 2014 at the Supreme Court Library. The Commission is headed by Sir Richard Cheltenham, K.A, Q.C, Ph.D., and comprise Mrs. Jaqueline Samuels-Brown, Q.C., and Mr. Seenath Jairam, S.C. Lead Counsel for the Commission is Attorney Glen Hanoman, and assisting him are Attorneys-at-Law Nicola Pierre and Latchmie Rahamat. Representing the PNC

Dr. Walter Rodney responsible for giving the mand of these agencies, device to the late Dr Rod- and actions against the Poney) from Guyana after Dr. litical Opposition, for the Rodney’s death. period January 1, 1978 to Additionally, the com- December 31, 1980. mission will examine and Dr. Walter Rodreport on the actions and ney, a Guyanese political activities of the state, the activist and intellectual, Guyana Police Force, Guy- died on June 13, 1980, folana National Service, Guy- lowing an explosion in his ana People’s Militia and car. those who were in com-

Flashback: Brother of the late Dr. Walter Rodney, Donald Rodney takes the Commissioners back to the scene of the explosion (outside what is now the White Castle Fish Shop.)

11th European Development Fund begins

n March 2, 2015, European Union High Representative and Vice-President Federica Mogherini and Commissioner for International Cooperation and Development Neven Mimica announced that EURO 30.5 Billion worth of EU development cooperation will come on stream, following entry into force of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF). The EU and its member

-Guyana to receive EURO 34 Million

states remain collectively the world's largest donor, providing more than half of total global official aid. As an important part of its external action, the EDF is a cornerstone of the EU's international cooperation and development policy, that concretely implements Guyana’s partnership and dialogue with African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries, under the ACPEU Cotonou Agreement. With a total of EURO

30.5 Billion, the 11th EDF will finance EU development cooperation projects until 2020, to assist partner countries' own efforts in poverty eradication. These funds come from EU Member States and will be managed by the EU, to target people most in need, and to finance different sectors such as health and education, infrastructure, environment, energy, food and nutrition. The promotion of good governance, democ-

racy and the rule of law are also other key areas that are supported, as is sustainable development, including sustainable agriculture and rural development. These are some of the ways the EU and its Member States are clearly signalling support to the future post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, so that Guyana can continue focussing all its efforts in countries, where its EU aid can have the most im-

pact. This is in line with the countries as set out in the 2011 "Agenda for Change." EDF long-term development programmes are always agreed upon in close partnership with each of the countries or regions. This ensures that cooperation will be aligned to the respective national or regional priorities, and that partner countries exercise their ownership of the development process. The allocation to Guyana comes

to EURO 34 Million until 2020, and will focus on climate change adaptation, disaster reduction and sustainable infrastructure (including sea defence), building upon successful cooperation in this area in the past. The EU is the largest grant donor to Guyana and is a committed partner to Guyana's development. This year will mark the celebration of 40 years of EUGuyana cooperation.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Health care vastly improved

- access for almost all Amerindian communities

he provision of basic health care needs is essential to the development of any nation, and more so its people, as a healthy population engenders productivity. It is therefore important that a government invest in necessary infrastructure to ensure its citizens benefit from care when needed, and the PPP/C administration, has over the years, been investing heavily in the health sector. Guyana’s indigenous peoples have not been left out of the picture, as a decision was taken to equip almost every hinterland community, with the basic health services needed. In Parishara, Hiowa, Semonie, Katoka, Yupuka-

common cold, fever, worm infestation, skin rash, and diarrhea. He said that based on the training he has received, his main focus continues to be in the area of primary prevention, health promotion and health education. Since he has not been equipped with more advanced medical training, when he is confronted with a complicated case, he makes urgent referrals to the Lethem Hospital, which is located 25 miles from Nappi. Frederick said, thanks to a generous donation from the Government of Guyana, the village has the service of a minibus, which also makes its work easier.

Community Health Worker Stephen Frederick attending to a baby at the Nappi Health Centre ri, Kaicumbay and Quatata In some instances, Frederall in Rupununi, Region ick is forced to make house Nine, these communities, calls to ailing patients who each is now nestled within are immobile. a health hut with a trained “Before we never had and dedicated Community things like this, we use to Health Worker (CHW). go on bicycle in case of A trained CHW, Ste- emergency and ride out to phen Frederick has served Lethem, and by the time and continues to serve the we get out, the patient gets village of Nappi, which worse, but right now things is home to 636 people. are better.” Frederick said he received This humble servant, as training from the Ministry he refers to himself, said of Health in 1998, and ever he works with a schedule: since, he has been more children’s clinic on Monthan pleased to serve his days; ante-natal clinic on fellow villagers. Tuesdays; family planning Fredericks, who won clinic on Wednesdays; the CHW of the year health talks in the commuaward in 2008, attends to nity and schools on Thursvillagers, who are suffer- days; and home visits on ing from various common Fridays. complaints, including the The home health talks,

Frederick said, are aimed at educating his villagers on early detection of basic health complaints, prevention, and treatment. The Nappi health hut is also equipped with a radio transmission set, which makes communication easy for the community and the CHW in the event of an emergency. Over at Hiowa, another Amerindian community, Alexander Domingo shoulders the task of providing basic health care to his fellow villagers. He too was privileged to receive training under the Ministry of Health, to serve his community. However, with a little more advanced training and upgraded equipment, Domingo said the health facility in his community was recently upgraded from a health hut to a health centre. From time to time, he renders his services to residents of surrounding communities, including Parishara, even though these communities have their respective health huts. Unlike the other two health facilities, Domingo said he is equipped and trained to conduct malaria smears and provide medication, if necessary, in a timely manner. Now with better health care services readily available in these communities, the citizens are much more at ease, and can go about their daily routine with one fewer thing to worry about. Under this current administration, almost every Amerindian community has access to basic health care, whether via a health hut, health centre, or a hospital. Most of these are staffed by Amerindians, who underwent training, provided through the Ministry of Health and have returned to serve their communities. The newly built multimillion dollar hospitals at Mabaruma, Kumaka, Lethem, Bartica, Kamarang, Matthews Ridge and Port Kaituma are a few of the modern institutions

offering a wider range of health care services to Guyanese in hinterland communities. In the case of Port Kai-

tuma, a new hospital is currently under construction, to serve the Matakari sub-district, Region One, Barima-Waini.

Amerindians can now access quality health care services in those regions, precluding the need to travel to Georgetown to do so.

Kato hospital, Region Eight

Lethem Hospital, Region Nine

Yupukari Health Post, Region Nine

Maikwak Health Post, Region Eight

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

GPHC’s first in house neurosurgeon having overwhelming impact at hospital

hough still in its initial setup stage, the newly specialised Neurosurgical Department, at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC), complemented with its first local neurosurgeon, has already recorded many successes. Neurosurgeon, Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi, who was recently placed at the GPHC, told the Government Information Agency (GINA) that the department has already made an impact, as over the past few weeks, it has managed to successfully complete 15 surgeries. The doctor said that one of the surgeries that were carried out was on a 28 year-old male, with a massive temporal-lobe tumour. This patient had shown high-grade symptoms, which were only diagnosed three months ago, when he visited the department. “He was being asked to go overseas, but then he came to GPHC, I saw him at my clinic, he was diagnosed and we prepared him for surgery.” The patient had surgery, and “I was able to remove the brain tumor,” Dr. Dukhi said.

A smiling Keyon Gonsalves a few days after his surgery This patient, Keyon Gonsalves, recovered and was discharged from the hospital on February 9, the day of his 29th birthday. “I am very thankful to the doctor for a great job that he has done, and to God for saving my life. It is like I have a second chance,” Keyon told GINA. “I feel very good, no pain and nothing,” Keyon explained. He said that he was not scared going into the surgery. “I was hoping for the best, before time I was fearful and could not do anything; it was very painful from my head straight down to my neck, but now I am ok … there is no pain at all,” he said. The doctor also noted another successful neuro-

surgical intervention; this time it was a neural-tube defect, a baby born with this congenital type of malformation right at the GPHC.

fully done, the baby was discharged from the hospital. He is just around 60days old, Dr. Dukhi said. Commenting on the scenarios of the patients operated on, the specialist declared: “I think that they would have deteriorated over a period of time, because most of these cases, especially that 29-year old male, he would have gotten all the complications associated with increased intracranial pressure, which most likely would have cut short his life. However, now he is fine and we are hoping that with co-man-

Baby with congenital malformation The doctor explained that this child was born with part of his brain outside of his skull. With the corrective surgery success-

agement, with oncology, he would be able to have some level of quality of life.” Speaking of the impact of having a full time neuro-

Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi surgeon, Dr. Dukhi said, it will continue to work to is not only the GPHC, but have a positive impact in also the national health sec- terms of neurosurgical protor development strategy cedures and care at GPHC,” that will feel the positive he added. Neurosurgical Consultimpact of a neurosurgeon ant, Dr. Ivor Crandon, also based at the hospital. “It is a positive, a major a Guyanese with many development for the health years of experience in the care system in Guyana, and field, has been providing it also will have some level service to the GPHC during of impact, in terms of the fi- periodical visits, and still nancial capabilities and ex- does. Dr. Dukhi was one of penditure for these types of surgeries previously done many young Guyanese, who were afforded the opoverseas,” he said. “I think that we would portunity to study medicine be able to improve; we are through the Guyana-Cuba now starting to set up the Scholarship programme. facilities to do even more Studies and practical sestypes of complicated sur- sions were done in the geries that were not previ- Spanish speaking island. ously done in Guyana. I

Hundreds of Region Ten riverain communities’ residents benefit from medical outreach

inister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill, led a huge medical outreach to several riverain communities in Region 10. The minister, along with his team of about 40 persons, visited Kwakwani, Calcuni, Hururu, Sand Hill, Ebini, Wiruni, and Bamboo Landing. During the three-day visit, local medical personnel, in the various communities, joined in the outreach, and lent support to those in need of medical attention. Speaking to residents of Calcuni, Minister Edghill explained that the outreach was an initiative undertaken by the Region Ten based “Reach All Development” group which has been

headed by him for the past two years. He added that in 2014, this group conducted similar outreaches in 15 communities, but this was the first in the Berbice River. He said, “You are a part of Region 10, and we want you to know that we care about you, and that is why we are undertaking this humanitarian mission.” He added that these outreaches are primarily to meet the needs of the people, and said he was aware also that the community had requested books and sports gear, which were also delivered during this visit. The minister also met with residents of Wiruni, where he highlighted that with assistance from Cabi-

A Sand Hill resident gets his blood pressure tested net Secretary, Dr. Roger Luncheon, and the Philippe family, he was able to obtain books on early childhood for the children in the community. These were handed over to the head teachers of several schools

along the river. In Ebini, the minister met with the residents and addressed concerns they had, regarding various issues. He strongly recommended that they form themselves into a Commu-

nity Development Council (CDC), since what was lacking in the community was leadership to adequately represent the people. The outreach team next visited Sand Hill, where that community’s Toshao, Godfrey Gladstone, expressed gratitude for the medical outreach and highlighted that there were good responses from the residents. The minister, along with his team of volunteers, next stopped at Hururu, where he met with residents from that community and Landersville. Minister Edghill acknowledged that farmers, upon learning about the team’s intended visit to the community, brought to his attention that they are

faced with achousi ants infestation. In this regard, the minister told them that he sought assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, and they provided him with a quantity of chemicals, as well as acoushi bait. These were distributed to the farmers. Hururu and Landersville also received sport items such as football, basketball and chess, as well as children’s foot wear and books from the “Reach All Development” group. Bamboo Landing was the final stop for the team. A medical outreach was conducted there as well and the minister had a guided tour of Variety Woods and Greenheart Limited, which are involved in value-added forest products.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Gov’t holds workshop to examine MDGs successes and challenges

s the Millennium Development Goals’ (MDGs) 2015 deadline approaches, the Government of Guyana held a workshop, to examine the successes and challenges, which persist in relation to the achievement of some of the goals. The session involved government officials and the relevant stakeholders, all in talks over the fact that Guyana has made tremendous progress towards accomplishing almost all of the MDGs including, MDG 3-gender equality, and some of MDG 7-environmental sustainability goals. However, there are some challenges with MDG five-maternal health. According to Minister of Finance Dr. Ashni Singh, who addressed the participants of the event, held at the Guyana International Conference Centre (GICC), MDG-5 was the subject of attention, as a result of which the government engaged the United Nations

Development Programme (UNDP) and received support in developing an MDG acceleration framework, which highlights prioritised actions that will see Guyana’s achieving the goal. “Gone are the days when we can say we are at the half way point. I have no doubt that we undervalued the luxury of time… time is no more because 2015 is upon us, and we are rightly and justifiably judged, regarding whether or not we have achieved or not achieved,” Minister Singh noted. Dr. Singh further noted that in a modestly resourced country “you can fly in an airplane for five hours and in a boat for three hours and walk for another five hours and still would not reach the most remote village, and when you get to that village, there are families with primary school aged children, children bearing mothers and people who require medical treatment…

From left, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster, Minister of Finance, Dr. Ashni Singh , United Nations Development Programme Representative, Khadijah Musa and, Presidential Advisor on Governance, Gail Teixeira at the MDG workshop in today’s world, we do not the goals it has achieved. requisite of success,” Dr. have the luxury of saying The minister said that these Singh further explained. that the remoteness of those goals were closely associThe minister also accommunities exempts them ated with government’s knowledged its developfrom receiving the much priorities, and incorporated ment partners, especially needed services. They are in the national policy-mak- the UNDP, which has not exempted from the ing framework, which has played a major role in enMDG framework, and I do helped significantly. suring these goals are met. not enjoy the luxury of say“ So where you have a Minister Singh coning that because they live sector plan or strategy that cluded by highlighting far away…remoteness is incorporates explicitly that that the MDG 8, “Develop not an excuse for exception target that relates to that a Global Partnership for for development or spe- sector, and that plan be- Development,” is still the cifically the MDG frame- comes national policy and most unaccomplished in work,” Minister Singh informs policy and resourc- the entire MDG frameemphasised. es mobilisation and na- work. “It is to the collective Guyana is not without tional budget allocation… shame of the global comvery peculiar challenges, becomes a part of the bread munity, that 45 years later, and must be commended and butter of the sector, only five or six developed for achieving as many of then you have the first pre- nations of the world are

remotely close to meeting that obligation, and most of the developed world are woefully short in falling when it comes to meeting these obligations.” Meanwhile, UNDP Representative, Khadijah Musa, spoke of the UNDP’s role in supporting countries on their developmental path, and in Guyana it has supported the government in developing its MDG progress in 2003, 2007 and 2011. The organisation is committed to supporting the government in publishing its progress report by the end of this year. She urged the participants to tell their story and to not hesitate to be both critical and positive and contribute to the government’s effort. The MDGs provide a structured framework of development goals, within which the major development challenges are contained, as they relate to quality of life.

NDCs and municipalities get tractors and bins - under “Clean-up My Country” initiative

move to ensure the sustainability of the multi-billion dollar “Clean-up My Country” initiative and to aid garbage collection and disposal should see all the Neighborhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) and municipalities across the country, benefiting from the provision of vehicles and/or bins. Distribution of the 65 HSP-Double wheel drive tractors, the Bison Hydraulic lift trailers and 45 gallon bins has already commenced. The Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development has handed over the vehicles and bins to several NDCs in Region Three and Four. Twelve (12) tractors, along with 12 Bison Hydraulic lift trailers were handed on February 25 to 12 of the 14 NDCs in Region Three. The ceremony, which was held at the Best/ Klien /Pouderoyen tarmac, saw

Local Government Minister Norman Whittaker presents the key to a tractor to an NDC representative a number of representa- and Leguan NDCs did not tives, from various NDCs, receive vehicles, but they receiving their various al- both benefited from 25 bins, lotment, namely those reps each at a cost of $4,500. from Mora/Parika, HyThe breakdown shows dronie/Good Hope, Green- that each NDC benefited wich Park/Vergenoegen, from approximately $5.7M, Tuschen/Uitvlugt, Stewart- as the vehicles en toto were ville/Corneila Ida, Hague/ procured at a cost of apBlankenburg, La Jalousie/ proximately $70M, with Nouvelle Flanders, Best / an individual cost of a tracKlien/ Pouderoyen, Malgre tor at $4.43M, and a trailer Tout/Meer Zorgen, La at $1.25M each, and the 25 Grange/Nismes, Canals bins at $4,500 each. Polder and Toevlugt/PatenMinister of Local Govtia. The package included ernment and Regional the vehicles, along with 25, Development Norman 45-gallon bins each. Whittaker presented the repHowever, Wakenaam resentatives of the various

NDCs with their equipment. The same day, he also handed over three of the 65 HSP-Double wheel drive tractors, along with three of the Bison Hydraulic lift trailers, to three Neighbourhood Democratic Councils (NDCs) in Region Four, Demerara/Mahaica. This handing over ceremony, held at the Diamond Community Centre Ground, saw representatives of Soesdyke/Hust’Coverden, Caledonia/Good Success, and Mocha/Arcadia NDCs receiving the vehicles, along with 25, 45-gallon bins each. Grove/Diamond Place, Little Diamond/Herstelling and Ramsburg/Eccles NDCs did not receive vehicles, but they each benefited from 25 bins. Minister Whittaker explained that the vehicles and bins were procured under the “Clean up My Country” programme, the nationwide initiative, that targeted the cleaning of community

drains and slice and the removal of tonnes of refuse from locales. He further stated that this move was to ensure sustainability of the clean-up initiative, and aid in garbage collection and disposal. He urged the NDC representatives to ensure that they make full use of the bins and tractors, and to also

garbage bags, which will also be distributed to the various NDCs. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between the Regional Democratic Council (RDC) and the NDCs, for the use and management of the vehicles and bins. A total of 45 tractors and trailers and 2000 bins is

Some of the tractors with accompanying trailers which were given to the NDCs ensure their full productive life span, even as he encouraged them to cater for the elderly and prioritise when distributing the bins. The Minister explained that the ministry will soon be receiving a quantity of

expected to be distributed. Effort to ensure the sustainability of the “Clean-up My Country” initiative, have also since seen the provision too of Brush cutters to every NDC to maintain public spaces.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Natural Resources Minister calls for national ‘buy-in’ to address illegal activities in wildlife trade

inister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud appealed for the buy-in from all citizens to address illegalities in the wildlife trade, so that the natural resources could survive. Speaking at a National Stakeholders’ Forum in observance of World Wildlife Day, on March 3, Minister Persaud expressed optimism that the support of stakeholders could ensure that the country’s wildlife be preserved. The objectives of the forum, which was held at the Guyana International Conference Center (GICC),

This year’s activities are being celebrated under the theme “Let’s get serious about Wildlife Crime.” This theme, according to Minister Persaud is a pertinent one “as it puts the spotlight on illegal trade and exploitation of wildlife.” He also noted that the occasion provided an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful and diverse forms of wild fauna and flora, and to raise awareness of the benefits that conservation provides for people. Turning his attention to the forum, Minister Persaud said that “( it ) has been deliberately scheduled, to not only coincide with World

wildlife being hunted. This, in my view, epitomises a collaborative partnership, as it engenders a win-win scenario for all of us…Key outputs of this arrangement would be the development of a targeted communication strategy, to achieve compliance with the regulations, the development of a wildlife management and conservation booklet, with key messages and themes on wildlife … for distribution to wildlife hunters and trappers, and a closer working relationship with wildlife stakeholder groups.” He further noted that wildlife in Guyana has re-

came a party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES) in 1977, which mandates the country to adopt appropriate measures for effective implementation of the convention, and to consider appropriate compliance measures, which may include recommendations to suspend trade. “Guyana was previously subjected to a recommendation for trade suspension for inadequate legislation. This was lifted, after the enactment of the Species Protection Regulations in 1999. This Species Protection Regulations, along with the Wildlife Management and

A section of the attendees at the National Stakeholders’ Forum on Wildlife Conservation were to acquaint/remind stakeholders of the relevant laws and regulations, that deal with the sustainable management and conservation of wildlife in Guyana, in order to promote compliance with the key provisions of these laws and regulations, as well as to enlist the stakeholders’ support and views, for the on-going sustainable management and conservation of wildlife in Guyana.

Wildlife Day for formality sake, but to initiate the process with you the stakeholders, on how we could bring to bear tangible results, on the sustainable management and conservation of our wildlife.” He added that, “Our intention would be as it is today, to not only educate stakeholders on responsible hunting practices, but also to encourage self-regulation and voluntary reporting of

mained well protected, due to the still extensive natural habitat and relative inaccessibility of the hinterland. He however, added that “this will not be the state of affairs, as with growing road networks to access logging and mining concessions, accessibility is changing, which could be a major driver in animal population decline.” Minister Persaud also pointed out that Guyana be-

Conservation Regulations 2013 (which provide for the collection, hunting, sale and possession of wildlife) govern the international and domestic trade of wildlife respectively,” he added. To further strengthen the regulation and management of the international wildlife trade, a Wildlife Import and Export Bill was tabled in Parliament in 2014. This Bill seeks to repeal the Species Protection Regulations

and establish the Wildlife Import and Export Authority to replace the Wildlife Division. He said the bill, was a comprehensive and innovative one as it was not meant to restrict communities or people involved in the trade, rather it was meant to ensure that the resources could survive well into the future. He said it is also as part of the overall thrust of the government in terms of conserving and managing the country’s biodiversity. He reminded that there were some consultations, but they didn’t meet the expectations of all, and did not survive the 10th Parliament. “The 10th Parliament was very harsh on the environment, there were a number of measures that we took and unbelievably these were not supported.” As a result, this Bill will have to be started all over in the 11th parliament. The Minister also reiterated that central among these measures has been the establishment of the Wildlife Management Steering Committee in November 2014. This Committee acts as an advisory body in providing general oversight and guidance in the development of strategies and programmes for wildlife management and conservation in Guyana. Additionally, there has been collaboration with the ministry and an International NGO, Panthera, to develop a project in the South of Guyana, on sustainable hunting

Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud addressing the gathering at the opening session of the National Stakeholders’ Forum practices, as a foundation for managing wildlife harvest in Guyana. This project, when completed, will be scaled up to the other regions of the country. The session was interactive and saw presentations from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries department. Among the gathering were NRE’s Permanent Secretary Joslyn Mackenzie, and Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh; also many other representatives of the EPA, Protected Areas Commission (PAC), Guyana Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC), Guyana Forestry Commission (GFC), World Wildlife Fund (WWF), and the National Toshaos Council (NTC). Similar forums are to be held in the near future, with the Amerindians and stakeholders in other far flung regions.

Gov’t commits to continued support to all miners

overnment has expressed its assurances to continue its support to the mining sector, through ongoing collaboration at various levels. This commitment was expressed by President Donald Ramotar and Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment Robert Persaud, following a meeting with the Executive of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association (GGDMA) and other stakeholders, to explore in-

itiatives and interventions for the sector. The meeting, which was held at the Guyana International Conference Centre, explored several areas of support and which are at various stages of implementation or under review. The government reiterated its collaboration with all stakeholders, within the mining sector, towards the viability and sustainability of the mining sector. The GGDMA sought government’s intervention, following fluctuating glob-

President Donald Ramotar addressing miners. Also at the head table are Natural Resources Minister Robert Persaud and President of the Guyana Gold and Diamond Miners Association, Patrick Harding

al gold prices. However, it was stated that the challenges facing the sector can be collectively addressed through continued collaboration and engagements between all stakeholders. Meanwhile, the GGDMA has again expressed its appreciation for the support provided by the government for the issuance of a fuel import licence, waivers on spares and equipment for the mining sector, access to foreign currency and tax waiver on double cab pick-ups.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Empowering Guyanese women – a process that is advancing

“I

am convinced that women are far more empowered (today), because when I look at many young women these days, they have been aspiring towards attending university, to having a higher learning/education and even higher studies at the master level, and I think it is a great accomplishment, for all of us as women, because education is the key to success, and government over the years, has been giving priority to education, and we will continue to do that.” Very poignant and fitting was this comment from Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster, who made some telling remarks, regarding the ruling People’s Progressive Party/Civic, in the lives of the women of Guyana. She echoed, in a very succinct manner, that the government of the day is far removed from partisanship of any sort. Her conviction was backed with solid examples of some of the workings of the PPP/C. Dignity and status of women “The PPP/C government has always been a government for all Guyanese.” She highlighted that its policies and programmes have always been structured around people, and those that have been implemented have far reaching effects throughout the country. This declaration was used to debunk some critics, as they had accused the PPP/C of being partial in the implementation of its policies and programmes. Minister Webster alluded to the fact that if gender issues (alone) were to be considered, then the PPP/C would score very high. The minister showed that where women issues are concerned, Guyanese females have made great strides in this country. She cited the National Assembly, where the proportion of women in parliament, amounts to 32% and “that has been a significant in-

crease from 1992, when Guyana had about 18.5% of female parliamentarians in a House of 65 seats.” The minister recalled that because of this investment in women capital, Guyana was recently ranked 29th in the world, and in the Caribbean, the only other country that is ahead is Grenada, that is, in terms of percentage composition in the House. According to her, since, for a long time, women’s issues were hardly in the forefront, this kind of thinking from the PPP/C shows how much the party values women empowerment as it is from this base other things can fall into place.

to a client, Petrina Chandro who took a loan to start a day-care facility, and today that facility has grown, as she now has staff members and more children in her care. The point then is quite clear; it is that women, under the PPP/C, are now being given a chance to become entrepreneurs, and so empower themselves. In fact, Ms. Webster emphasised that because of the support and inspiration from the PPP/C, there are many women in agriculture, who have applied for loans, through the WoW programme, and these are making a difference, in an area that men normally

Females in the Guyana Defence Force She added that over the past five years, there have been a number of programmes, coming on stream, where women, from all walks of life, have benefitted. Women of Worth (WoW) Minister Webster explained that the “Women of Worth” programmes have been moving along very well, and that there are some very good success stories about the WoW, which was launched in 2010. She noted that the ministry is looking at expanding the micro credit facilities available to women in Guyana, and “we have been having discussions with the Guyana Bank for Trade and Industries Ltd. (GBTI) and have found that there have been 2nd, 3rd and 4th time borrowers, who have actually grown above the category of the maximum loans … they have graduated.” The minister referred

dominate. She opined that “one of the biggest success stories of the Women of Worth is that its programmes have given women opportunities to empower themselves, by doing something that they like, and at the same time, it has enable them financially, to be able to earn, and at the same time to expand businesses in many ways.” Minister Webster highlighted that a British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) group did a documentary on this programme and the members had interviews with her and many of these women. She thinks that Guyana must be applauded for this kind of positive attention, via the initiative and vision to change the lives women, especially those women in rural communities. Accompanying benefits The spin-off of some-

Women in the People’s Progressive Party /Civic (PPP/C) thing like this is that some fairs Bureau (WAB) which signs and graphics, from the good work is being done falls under the purview computer from the confines in an important area. Cur- of the Human Services of their own homes.” rently, Guyana’s socio-eco- Ministry. For the minister, this nomic landscape is rapidly means that Guyanese womchanging, and there is the Other amenities en today have more hope dire need to look after very The minister touched on than ever before. young pre-school children. some areas where women The minister pointed out have benefited immensely. Domestic Violence that the formative period She detailed that many Minister Webster adof every child’s life is im- women today own their dressed the very sensitive portant so “We are working homes and, “I think coming area of domestic abuse with all the care givers and from a period of time, in our in Guyana. She said that facilities, throughout Guy- country, maybe 20 years through the Women's Afana, to licence those facili- ago, many of them could fairs Bureau, the ministry ties, to ensure they meet the not aspire to own their own has been working in comminimum standard for car- homes, and it is through our munities with women and ing for children, while their government’s policies that counselling them, and “we mothers are at work.” they are now the owners of have been able to help some She went on to say that their own homes.” of those women, who are the PPP/C government is This again, the min- victims, to gain employsupporting the expansion ister pointed out, is due ment to support themof these services in the 10 specifically to the fact that selves.” She explained that administrative regions, be- policies and programmes, the association refers some cause of the fact that many developed by the PPP/C for training, helps many mothers are single parents, government, are geared to- acquire house lots (this in and by going in this di- wards removing gaps and collaboration with Housrection, more support and stereotypes, as tradition- ing Ministry), partners with continuing empowerment ally, women were seen as Non-Governmental Organiwill redound towards them. mere adjuncts within most sations (NGOs) to provide The minister observed that spheres of a community. counselling and guidance,

Women miners many women, who were once timid, are now coming forward in other areas. Lots of single women through the Board of Industrial Training (BIT) have gone on their own and started small businesses in cosmetology, hair dressing, garment making, and poultry rearing, after completing training. Further training is provided by the Women’s Af-

The fact that a woman can own a home means that she is not an the mercy of male domination, and “she can enjoy the opportunity to learn to use the computer, as there are many training programmes available online today for women to learn many things, trade, garment construction, and web designing (so) many women today in Guyana can stay at home and work and do de-

and follow up.” This, she said, clearly shows that the ministry has been efficaciously working with women on the ground, in communities to help them to overcome their challenges. For her too, at the higher level, this means that Guyana is a true democracy and that women today feel more confident, when they have to speak about what are their concerns.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

PPP/C continues to have highest regards for women - President

lobally, ‘International Women’s Day’ represents an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women, while at the same time, the day makes an urgent call for greater equality of the genders. This year the theme is “Make It Happen”. Many events occur to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. In Guyana, the occasion is embraced in a very significant manner, as it happens to occur in very close proximity, when Guyanese remember the founder of the People’s Progressive Party, the former late Presi-

ing for independence, fighting from democracy, and occupying very important positions in our country.”

Frontrunners President Ramotar declared that he is “extremely proud to have come from that tradition from Cheddi Jagan and his party, because it was our party, the PPP, who gave the first elected position to a woman … Janet Jagan, who was elected in 1951 to the Georgetown Town Council … at that time she was among the first women, together with Jessie Burnham and Jane Phillips Gay ever to be elected in parliament,

we have equality of the gender in our society, and that is something that we have to be enormously proud about, and I am extremely happy that one of the legacies of Cheddi Jagan, one of the legacies of Mrs. Jagan, one of the legacies of the People’s Progressive Party, is that we have led the struggle, in a time when it was not popular to do so, to lead the struggle for equality and justice for women in our society.” From this solid history, the president noted that Guyana has come a long way, and “we have practically had great achievements of our women, many

President Donald Ramotar with a group of women who interviewed him on various issues dent, Dr. Cheddi Jagan, who passed away on March 06, 1997, and whose precocious politics’ allowed for the utilising of women in major ways, long before the fight for women’s right became what it is now today. Commemorating Dr. Jagan’s passing is quite normal, since his personage deserves it. What makes this even more auspicious is that he has done an enormous amount of work in the area of taking a stand for the women of society. According to President Donald Ramotar, speaking on the latest episode of the programme “At Home with the President”, Dr. Jagan and the PPP did tremendous work, as “they have worked together with women to raise the contentions of women and to get women into the political struggle, that is, from fight-

in 1953, as all came as a ticket, under the People’s Progressive Party.” From this bold beginning and right under the aegis of the PPP government, Janet Jagan acceded to the post of Minister of Labour, Health and Housing, from 1957-1961. Other notable promoting of women, by the PPP, even in those days, came in the person of Guyana’s first Chief Justice, and first Chancellor of the Judiciary, Desiree Bernard. President Ramotar also recalled that under the PPP/C government, Guyana had the first female Prime Minister, the late Mrs. Janet Jagan. According to him, the PPPC administration has always been rooted in a tradition and philosophy where women are deemed equal to men, and “we lead that struggle to ensure that

countries in the world would envy the right and the progress that women have made in Guyana.” He highlighted that in Guyana, there are now women in every institution of learning, and they are either equal or in the majority in some cases. Then in terms of jobs, the president said that, “they weren’t in before; and now sometimes they dominate, like in the teaching profession, they dominate completely, our women are now moving into areas like engineering, science and technology, so I think that we have a lot in our country to be proud of … the achievements of our women.” The Head-of-State remarked that if it is true that one can measure the achievement of a country by the extent of the progress of women in the society, by

A young woman greets President Donald Ramotar at State House before the interview ‘ At Home with the President’ that yardstick, Guyana has that directly affect women.” the president suggested that come a very far way. The hope for President he is going to try to ensure Ramotar is that he and his that the next government Looking ahead ministers will be able to im- he will form will have even President Ramotar prove the laws, and to add more women in parliament mentioned that Guyana has to them, so as to deal with and at decision making passed some of the most the various issues, where levels. advanced laws that exist the women community is He also promised that in the world, and that these concerned. His desire is to in every aspect of service are constantly under re- look at the special needs that government provides, view, so as to see “how we and concerns of women, so “we will have to ensure can perfect them, improve that they can be addressed that the voice of women be them and create the atmos- within the governmental heard, their presence be felt phere and environment, system itself. in every area, their influso that you (the women) ence on policy and decision have greater participation Guyana scores huge must be there, as we conin every aspect of life, in with women in the House tinue to work for the ideal, the political life, social life, When it comes to where so women would become in the economic life of our Guyana stands internation- equal in parliament, 50% or country.” ally, President Ramotar ex- even more.” For him, this is the bot- plained unambiguously his This seems logical for tom line, as he wants to reasons for being a proud the president, as he noted have no impediments with individual. He cited the that more women (than women being right there in fact that “more than 33% men) are graduating from terms of equality in wages of our House is comprised the University of Guyana for comparable jobs, and of women, and that is more and other places. everything else within the than what the Congress in President Ramotar society. the United States has.” touched on the judiciary Mr. Ramotar pointed to He reasoned that since too, and cited the reality the fact that he does things Congress is normally held that at one time there were with solid reasons and with up as the greatest democ- very few women lawyers an eye for the future, for “I racy and that Guyana has in Guyana, but now “there have chosen Mrs. Harper more women in its parlia- are quite a bit, it is almost to be my Prime Ministe- ment than the US Congress, coming to be equal, this is rial Candidate and running then this bodes well for the also reflected in the growmate, and this is not only be- nation. However, he still ing number of magistrates cause she is a very talented thinks that this is not all. and judges.” woman and she has a lot of “I’m not satisfied with It should be noted that areas of experience in gov- that too; I agree that we the judiciary is an indeernment, she has worked all need to have greater scope pendent part of government her life in government, she for more involvement of and judges are appointed has tremendous managerial women in every aspect of by the Judicial Services capacity, but she has her government. Although we Commission, and the presiown life experience too, as can be proud of how far dent intoned that he would a woman, and she has some we have come, there is still be happy if the commission strong opinions, and I will much more room for im- would send more women be able to have her to focus provement in government.” to be sworn in, since this is on many of these problems In this mode of thought, now a reality.

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Youth development will continue to be a - President priority for PPP/C administration Ramotar

he People's Progressive Party Civic (PPP/C) believes in the old adage that youths are the future, and in this light, it has taken their development seriously, as numerous interventions have been, and continue to be made. President Donald Ramotar, during an interview with youths on the programme “At Home with the President,” aired on the National Communications Network, spoke of his administration’s plan for youths, and how it will go about achieving it. According to President Ramotar, his administration strongly believes that by educating youths and the population at large, it is the one sure way of developing a country. “We have to build and educate them (youths) to

President Donald Ramotar with the youths who interviewed him face the challenges of the modern world.” Making reference to developed nations, the president said it is evident that countries with a highly educated population are better off than those with a less educated population. He added that it is for this reason also the administration has been investing significantly in the education sector at every level.

Already, he pointed out, that the investments are paying off, as Guyana has achieved Universal Primary Education, and is close to achieving Universal Secondary Education. He however, noted that it was his hope that Universal Secondary Education would have been achieved under his first term in office. Nonetheless, the presi-

dent said investments are being made, and will continue to be made at every level of the education sector, including tertiary, and a new budding field, technical education. Pointing to the importance of education, the president noted that it allows for a more skilled and educated work force, while giving youths an opportunity to enhance their

marketability. The president also spoke of what Guyana’s further holds for a more skilled and educated work force, as the administration will soon see the realisation of the Amaila Falls Hydroelectric Power project. This project, he said, will create technical and high paying jobs, for persons with the necessary skills. It was also noted that Guyana is on the verge of becoming an oil and gas producing country, which will also require specialised skills. It is for this reason emphasis is being placed on technical education and skill training, with numerous technical facilities being opened around the country. The most recently opened technical institutions are the Mahaicony Technical Institute,

Region Five and a similar one at Leonora, Region Three. Meanwhile with these and other investments, the president said it is expected that the issue of brain drain will be addressed. Noting that this has been a problem, the country has been grappling with over the years, the president said that by educating people, they are creating conditions to anchor the population. All children in Guyana are entitled to free education, from nursery to secondary level. Government technical institutes offer free training as well. For those who wish to pursue an education at the University of Guyana, and cannot afford to, they can do so through loans offered by the Finance Ministry and repay after.

Community Policing Organisation celebrates 39th anniversary

he Ministry of Home Affairs’ Community Policing Organisation of Guyana (CPOG) is celebrating its 39th anniversary, under the theme “Community Policing Supporting the Fight against Domestic Violence, Suicide and Promoting Road Safety.” Speaking at a press conference at the ministry’s boardroom, Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee said that over the past 39 years, CPGs have successfully been providing voluntary service to the people of Guyana.

He added that the celebrations will conclude with a fun day in Essequibo, on March 29, 2015, as Essequibo has been the chosen district for the main activities. However, activities have been planned for all 15 community policing divisions. He further pointed out that it was the vision of Henry Fraser, the late Commissioner of Police, to establish community policing in Guyana, and Minister Rohee noted that this has relevance today, as it did have some 39 years ago.

During the period 20132014, the CPGs conducted 8,527 vehicular patrols, 4,838 motor cycle patrols, 8,344 bicycle patrols, 19,994 foot patrols 1,078 boat patrols and 381 ATV (All Terrain Vehicles) patrols. This resulted in 920 arrests, ranging from murders to domestic violence. These patrols were also able to reduce electricity thefts and vandalism of fibre optic cables in their various divisions. In 2014, there was a 23% increase in the membership of CPGs. The year

A section of the Community Policing Groups at the press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs

also saw the provision of additional uniforms, vehicles and equipment to all the groups. An award scheme for liaison officers, members of the business community, contributing to the sustenance of the various groups, and outstanding community policing groups and members was also introduced in 2014, along with training programmes for liaison officers. Minister Rohee also acknowledged that community policing in Guyana commenced in the year 1976 with the objective “To harness the energies of willing members of communities across Guyana, in support of the work of the police, to achieve a crime-free society, and to be responsive, together with the police, to the needs of the communities with respect to the imperative to maintain law and order.” In this regard, CPGs were established in all the police divisions in Guyana, with the aim of crime prevention at the community

Minister of Home Affairs Clement Rohee level and the protection of public property. This was later expanded to embrace the development of youths, health consciousness, road safety, and environmental enhancement, along with any other activity of benefit to the community. The minister also noted that the current membership of CPOG consists of 270 groups, with a total of 5,201 members, with the largest group coming out of ‘B’ Division. Over the past six years, a total of $518, 723,000 was allocated to CPOG for capital works, and $113,900,000 as current expenditures. This money was expended

on motor vehicles boats, outboard engines, motor cycles, grass cutters, sports equipment, equipment for disaster preparedness training, uniforms, searchlights, VHF radio equipment, life jackets, ATVs, bicycles, laminating machines, spot lights, photocopying machines, cameras, and continuous training and awards. Over the years, the CPG members were given training to fight crimes in various areas. These include policing, administration, domestic violence, Trafficking in Persons (TIP), interpersonal violence, fire fighting, road safety, first aid, suicide awareness, and communication and disaster preparedness. In closing the press conference, the minister expressed gratitude to the groups and encouraged them to continue the good work in the years ahead. He said that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the CPOG wished to thank the Government of Guyana, for all the support rendered throughout the years.

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Youths can look forward to a bright future in ICT -President

Students in their school’s computer lab uyanese pursuing keep up with the growing careers in the field age of ICT. of Information and Speaking on the proCommunication Technol- gramme “At Home with the ogy (ICT) can look forward President,” during which he to a bright future, as there was interviewed by a group are plans on stream to take of youths, he noted that this sector forward. when he prorogued the parAccording to President liament in November 2014, Donald Ramotar, the admin- it was his hope that the opistration has already laid the position would have yielded foundation for Guyanese to to his calls for constructive

dialogue. He noted that several bills were in the 10th Parliament, including for the liberalisation of the telecommunication sector, which would have given ICT a further push. Nonetheless, he noted that persons pursuing careers in this field have much to look forward to, as the government has made an agreement with the Indian Government for the establishment of an ICT Park. This agreement evolved during a visit by the president to India and meeting with that country’s president, Narendra Modi in January. The president explained that the facility will more or less become the headquarters for the whole of South

Students in the IT lab at the Hinterland Students’ Dorm America and the Caribbean. Referring to some of to use the device. “…And this has great the foundation that has alIn some instances, compossibilities in creating a lot ready been laid for the fur- puter hubs have been estabof jobs, right now Qualfon ther push of the ICT sector, lished in hinterland commuis in Eccles, they are putting President Ramotar spoke of nities, to power and promote down a campus that will the One Laptop Per Fam- the use of computers. employ about 4000 persons ily (OLPF) initiative, which Stressing on the imporwhen it is at its maximum was launched under the tance of ICT in developgoing, so ICT has huge former President Bharrat ing Guyana as a whole, the possibilities in creating em- Jagdeo. president noted that with ployment and for allowing This initiative has seen the expansion of this sector, our people to have better thousands of Guyanese more jobs will be created, paying jobs and better em- families benefiting from a and also there will be opployment all over.” laptop and relevant training portunities for investments.

Men’s Affairs Bureau and religious organisations address gender-based violence

Minister within the Ministry of Finance, Juan Edghill addressing the participants of the workshop two-day workshop, nition; however, they play the administration has hosted by the Min- a major role in society, and turned its attention to men, istry of Human Ser- they too are abused. seeking to help them find vices’ Men’s Affairs Bureau He said, “We believe other solutions to their (MAB), in collaboration that men are hurting too, problems, and to work with with the Salvation Army’s and they too have a story to them, in the fight against Men’s Social Sector, Guy- tell…men also have a need gender-based violence. ana Police Force (GPF) and to be loved, cared for, reIn closing comments, the Ministry of Health’s spected, listened to and be Alphonso urged the society Gender Based Unit, has end- affirmed.” to see men not as the enemy ed with men more empowHe added that this is one in this fight, but as partners. ered to deal with the issue of of the main reasons why Meanwhile, Minister gender-based violence. faith-based organisations within the Ministry of FiThe workshop focussed play a critical role towards nance Juan Edghill, who on the role of males in ad- this issue. was among the gathering at dressing the issue of genderAlphonso explained that the workshop, highlighted based violence and targeted men too are hurt, and when that with movies and carreligious organisations and this happens because of toons being violence filled, their contributions towards their partners’ actions, they lives are being patterned dealing with the issue. tend to return that pain, but after them. He urged that Head of Men’s Affairs most times, in a physical the battle be started with Bureau Diego Alphonso, way. The head of the MAB children in primary schools. who chaired the opening stated that this cannot be Noting that the previous session, pointed out that accepted as justification for Film Census Board once men have not been given physical violence. was responsible for filtering enough priority and recogThis is the reason why what persons could watch,

he urged that parents now do that job. Pointing also to the type of language that is being used, the minister opined that this is also impacting on one’s behaviour. He also noted that social media is used as another means to express the vilest things in society. According to Minister Edghill, “We need to find a new path on how to create (a good) image,” imploring strongly that the media publicise when men are seen taking care of their children. He commended those men who have worked hard for their families, and urged that they keep to their programme. He warned that “If you want to damage the male psyche, then the men must pronounce against you.” Pointing to President Donald Ramotar, who has recently observed his 40th wedding anniversary, he noted that this was not news, but if there had been a divorce or separation, that would have made the press.

Minister Edghill also offered that what should be continued is that all ‘out of control’ men should be embraced by others. He pointed out that they should not be thrown away, but be taken care of, and he urged the workshop facilitators to be encouraging towards the participants. He also emphasised that gender-based violence should not exist outside empowering families. A broken family could be held together by the commitment of the support base. Society could be helped, only if strong families exist, and this should be learnt at home. He urged the participants not to hide the problem, but to be responsible in how it is being dealt with. Government and religious leaders have a role to play, as men cannot be helped unless they admit publicly what they are faced with. The minister also congratulated the organizers of the workshop, noting that persons with the ability to bring about change were

present. He proposed that ‘heart and soul’ be put into the matter to bring about change. Also, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Human Services, Patrick Findlay, added that the workshop was orchestrated by Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Jennifer Webster herself because “we feel that the religious section of our population, the churches, mosques, temples and where ever we believe, that if we can get the involvement of our religious leaders in their different settings, we can be able to multiply the effects of, if not totally eliminate, but reduce the incidence of gender-based violence.” He further noted that gender based violence has been around for a long time, but has escalated over recent times. Similar sessions have been held in Regions Three, Six and Ten, and others are already planned to be held throughout the rest of 2015.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Tenth Parliament-an Unruly horse - says Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister

he Tenth Parliament has been dissolved. It was unprecedented in many respects. It was the first parliament in the history of Guyana, in which the opposition enjoyed a majority. One would have expected therefore, that the opposition would have been able to boast an impressive line of accomplishments for the people, as a result of the advantage which they have enjoyed in the Tenth Parliament. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Instead, the Tenth Parliament has been dominated by an opposition, whose agenda was driven by hate, revenge, authoritarianism and ego. Indeed, an examination of any of the postures adopted by the opposition in the National Assembly, either in the bills laid, motions proffered, questions posed, or positions adopted in the Committee of Supply and in debates generally, will easily establish this hate, revenge, authoritarianism and ego. Speaker, Deputy Speaker One of the first businesses of any parliament is the election of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. In this engagement, the opposition made its agenda clear for the Tenth Parliament. This took place in the very first sitting. Although the PPP/C enjoyed a majority in every parliament since 1992, it ensured that while it elected a Speaker of its choice, the opposition always secured the position of Deputy Speaker, unopposed. With the positions reversed, fairness would have dictated reciprocity. In the Tenth Parliament, the opposition entertained none of this. With authoritarian hunger and in disregard for parliamentary tradition, and of course fairness, they grabbed both positions of Speaker and Deputy Speaker. This anti-democratic stand and contempt for parliamentary precedents dominated the Tenth Parliament. Budgets Cuts

Every Budget of the Tenth Parliament was unlawfully and unconstitutionally reduced by the opposition, depriving the economy of billions of dollars of programmes, all designed to advance the developmental agenda of the nation and the social welfare of the people, more particularly, the working people, youths and the poor, elderly and vulnerable. Ironically, these are the very people on whose behalf the opposition claimed to be acting. These cuts were repeated annually, in complete disregard of the rulings from the Chief Justice, in proceedings filed by the government. So the Rule of Law, an indispensable ingredient in the democratic equation, was also a casualty of the Tenth Parliament. Indeed, had the government not restored these unlawful cuts to the budgets, thousands of public servants would have been put on the bread line, as their salaries were cut from the budget, with no alternative source of income being identified by the opposition. There is no doubt that many of these public servants may have voted for the very opposition. That mattered not. The opposition’s response was captured in the callous remark of Kemraj Ramjattan, who said that they were “collateral damage.” The programmes which were casualties of the opposition’s “scissors” (Mosses Nagamootoo’s description) include but are not limited to the Amerindian Developmental Fund, the Hinterland roads project, rehabilitation to Hinterland Airstrips, subsidies to GPL so that electricity rates would not be increased, subsidies to GuySuco to protect the jobs of 17,000 sugar workers, the Hope Canal Project, which is intended to prevent flooding and protect the interest of farmers and residents of Demerara, CJIA expansion, the Specialty Hospital, the subsidy to GWI so that pensioners will not pay water rates, the students loan

constitutionally conferred powers of the executive, or they maliciously targeted the lawful entitlements of some public officials. In short, these bills were inspired by avarice for political power and a desire for revenge. I challenge the opposition to test my opinions that these bills were unconstitutional in the Judiciary. To date they never accepted my challenge.

Parliament Building, Georgetown programme of University of Guyana, the Because We Care $10,000 grant to children in the public school system, uniform and school feedings programmes and many more. Every one of the aforesaid initiatives was intended, and indeed did have a direct impact on the lives of the people. That did not matter to the opposition. Bills The Tenth Parliament witnessed the unprecedented voting down of bills laid by the government in the arena of crime fighting, but more fundamentally, bills that were intended to enable Guyana, as a nation state, to discharge its international obligations. The non-passage of these bills have exposed Guyana as a nation, not only to international ridicule, but also expose the financial system, economy, and indeed every single citizen, to international sanctions with perilous financial and economic consequences. However, these were not matters sufficiently grave to secure the support of the opposition. Indeed, they used the importance of these bills to hold the government to political ransom. As a result, the Caribbean Court of Justice awarded judgment against Guyana, to the tune of approximately 1.2 Billion Guyana dollars for its failure to amend the Customs Act, to bring it in conformity with its treaty

obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This amendment was voted down twice by the opposition in the National Assembly. In similar vein, Guyana remains the only country in the Western Hemisphere which has not enacted the required internationally recommended Anti Money Laundering & Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Bill. In Consequence, Guyana is being monitored by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and has been given until September to enact this bill. A failure can result in universal blacklisting of Guyana’s economy in terms of commerce and trade with countries, as well as the International Financial Institutions (IFI). If anyone was in doubt about whether the opposition appreciated the seriousness of this bill, those doubts must have dissipated, since they, the opposition, shamelessly listed this bill as one of their priorities in the new Parliament, should they win the upcoming elections. It would be a great remiss, not to mention the fact that the opposition tabled a series of bills, every one of which collided with the Guyana Constitution and all were therefore unconstitutional. Indeed, none of those bills addressed the welfare or interest of any section of the population. They were all generically designed to either reduce

No confidence motion against Rohee The undemocratic and authoritarian proclivities of the opposition were epitomised in the Tenth Parliament by their attempt to gag Member of Parliament (MP) and Minister of Home Affairs, Clement Rohee, from speaking. Indeed, the word parliament owes its genesis to the French infinitive parler and Latin word parli-to speak. In essence, parliament is the highest constitutional forum at which elected representatives of the people represent their interests on their behalf by “speaking.” This concept is captured in Article 9 of our Constitution which provides clearly that “Sovereignty belongs to the people, who exercise it through their representatives and the democratic organs established by or under this Constitution.” Parliament is one of the most paramount democratic organs established by the Guyana Constitution. Therefore, any attempt to prevent an MP from speaking strikes at the very heart of parliamentary democracy, Constitutional governance and the Rule of Law. In the case of Minister Rohee, the basis upon which they sought to gag him had nothing to do with what he said or did in the parliament itself, but related to the baseless allegation that he instructed the police to shoot protesters at Linden, on July the 16th, 2012. Their actions were challenged by me in the Court and the Chief Justice ruled, on two occasions, that they

acted unconstitutionally. The Speaker of the National Assembly also ruled, on a motion moved by them, that their actions were unlawful and unconstitutional. Notwithstanding and in complete disregard to the rulings of the court and the speaker, they refused to support any bill which Minister Rohee tabled thereafter. Significantly, they called upon the government to establish a Commission of Inquiry into the shootings at Linden. They demanded to participate in the selection of persons to constitute this inquiry and maintained that some of these persons must come from outside of Guyana. They insisted in participating in drafting the Terms of Reference (TORs). The government obliged and they were duly consulted in the appointment of the commissioners, as well as the drafting of the TOR. The commission comprised a former Chief Justice of Jamaica, a distinguished Queens Counsel from Jamaica, a Senior Counsel from Trinidad, a former Chancellor from the Judiciary of Guyana and a former Guyanese Justice of Appeal. Not only did the commission, in its findings exonerate Minister Rohee from any wrong doing, it also blamed the opposition themselves for contributing to the chaotic situation, which led to the demise of four persons and injuries to several others. In short, the commission’s report was a colossal embarrassment to the opposition since they called for it. Unfortunately, this folly of the opposition costs the taxpayers over $150 million. In the next installment, the Attorney General and Legal Affairs Minister will examine perhaps the greatest casualty of the Tenth Parliament, the Amaila Falls Hydro Project.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

here are many useful yardsticks to access Guyana’s journey over the years from poverty to prosperity. Some of these were captured in previous editions. Recently, something popped up; something that I must admit wasn’t on my radar. I immediately realised it is something that has really been taken for granted. Whilst travelling east about a week ago, an ensuing conversation revealed something very interesting, something as simple as writing a letter. To start in the present, a question becomes relevant; how many today actually write a letter, place it in an envelope, put on a postage stamp and mail it? All bills and notices are exempted. I am referring to a traditional “keeping in touch” family letter, or a then very popular, “love letter”. Ask yourself the question again. Now that the memories are rushing back for those who experienced that, you can understand why it may have been

taken for granted. Another question suffices; how many young people can relate to this process? I would venture to say many. Given that, it would be useful to revisit the process and its context. I remember as a small boy, my mother would very often send me to the shop to buy airmail envelope and writing paper. The writing paper was simply a leaf from a foolscap notepad whilst the envelope had some colour markings around its border to differentiate from the plain white ones. Only the air-mail envelope could have facilitated the postage of a letter overseas. Of course, the cost of the stamp was a factor which determined where your meticulously written letter would end up. Therein lies the story. How many today, young people generally, can fathom the notion of buying such items from a village shop to just write a letter? Mind you, the, people, including myself, bought an ounce or two of butter, not only because

Director of the Government Information Agency (GINA) Neaz Subhan

it was sold like that, but mainly because it was difficult to afford to buy an entire pound container, but back to letter writing.Think about the question and what obtains today. Firstly, almost every young person has unhindered access to a smart phone, Ipad, Laptop etc., and which revolutionised communication. With that in mind, almost every young person today, all

across the country, communicate through Facebook, SMS, Emails, Twitter etc., basically rendering useless the need for physically using an ink-pen to construct a letter on traditional writing paper. In many ways this dented traditional Post Office business. It must be noted that this technological way of communicating is not confined to the younger generation. Moreso, this metamorphosis in communication is in itself another yardstick that embodies the rapid transformation the country has undergone over the past two decades. This simple act of expressing emotions through penmanship resonates volumes in terms of Guyana’s accomplishments. It therefore brings into focus the nation’s modernisation and how it has impacted the lives of all. For the young, it represents life as usual; the routine. They cannot envisage their lives without the internet! Imagine the chaotic situation that would be precipi-

tated if the internet were to shut down just for the day. Many, local and overseas, would respond by saying that, I may have quoted a too extensive period for such a hypothetical and cataclysmic technological meltdown. They would argue that even an hour would be doomsday-like in such a would-not-be contemplated scenario; a curse more like! This unthinkable situation represents the transformation in the mindset of our people. The younger generation is unable to envisage the purchasing of writing paper and envelope for communicating and those who are witnesses to the country’s technological transformation and who may not be too inclined to surf the internet, would not be able to envisage the hypothetical internet doomsday even for the hour! Every email, SMS, Tweet and every other use of such related devices, measures the distance covered in this journey. No measuring tape needed!

Berbice Mash - a resounding success The event attracted numerous patrons who lined the streets in order to have a glimpse of the bands that paraded through the town. These include Ministries of Culture, Youth and Sport; Health; Agriculture and Education, and the Regional Democratic Councils of Regions Five and Six.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Health, Dr. Bheri Ramsaran joined in the parade with the Mash contingent to celebrate Guyana’s 45th Republican status. Speaking to the Government Information Agency, Deputy Regional Executive Officer, Imraan Ally said that the parade was a resounding success,

which saw a larger participation compared with the previous years. “The Mash in Berbice is getting bigger and better every year. This year it was way bigger, with massive participation, and the residents of Berbice were definitely not disappointed, as they joined in to revel with the bands, so everyone had fun and en-

joyed the celebration.” Further, he said that the event attracted thousands of people, who came together to celebrate as incorporated in the theme, “One People, one Culture, One Celebration.” He noted that the atmosphere was relatively trouble-free due to the large presence of the Guyana Police Force.

Prime Minister Samuel Hinds interacting with a Berbice resident at the Mash Parade

he county of Berbice came alive on Sunday, March 1. It was a kaleidoscope of colours, and upbeat music was danced to, as revellers from all walks of life took to the streets of New Amsterdam, to celebrate

Mashramani 2015. The costume and float parade took off from Tacama Turn, New Amsterdam, then proceeded into Vryheid Street, Strand South, and culminated at Matthew Allen Road (Stelling Road).

Patrons at the Berbice Mash parade

Revellers from Region Five

Warm up pool commissioned 30

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- brings Guyana closer to a world class sporting power

he warm-up pool has been described as another necessary component in the efforts to have Guyana recognised as a world class “sporting power.” The new facility, that was commissioned on February 27, by President Donald Ramotar, has now fully completed the Na-

nomic benefits and more, the president also noted. “When you satisfy a man’s stomach then it’s important that we satisfy his spirit, his culture, his sports…. which, as our country develops, become as important as satisfying the material needs of our people”. Noting that while sport has

the construction challenges, but these were successfully overcome, he added, as he thanked the construction company and other stakeholders, who made the pool a reality. The project was executed in three components, with D&S Company undertaking civil works, Myrtha Pool Com-

Director of Sports Neil Kumar, President Donald Ramotar (center), Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture Dr. Frank Anthony and Permanent Secretary Alfred King presenting a trophy to the winner of an exhibition race at the newly commissioned warm-up swimming tional Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal. The Head of State expressed his wish that Guyana would be recognised at events like the Olympics and other sporting events across the Americas and the rest of the world. The president said the Aquatic Centre now joins the Guyana National Stadium, along with the soon to be commissioned Leonora Synthetic Track, as part of government’s investment in community grounds, fields and facilities, to bring out the talents of persons, regardless of where they live. He said that “Hopefully, our coaches, our officials can be able to spot them, to develop them and develop their talents right here.” It is facilities such as these, the president added, that will help to bring people together to realise their dreams of making Guyana a “much, much better place.” The facility can also be used to bring health, eco-

become “big business,” the president added that the main reason should still be to seek glory for one’s self, community and country. The pre-fabricated 25 x 21 metre warm-up pool was assembled by Myrtha Pool Company at a cost of US$288,600. Myrtha Pool was recommended by FINA, the international governing body of swimming, diving, water polo, and synchronised and open water swimming. The preliminary work was executed by D&S Construction Company and supervised by Innovative Engineering Consultancy Services (I.E.C.S). Giving a brief outline of the facility, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Alfred King explained that the larger Olympic sized pool was a necessity for the facility to be certified and used for recognised international competitions. There was a six- month delay in addressing some of

pany which delivered a pre-engineered pool completed with a 10-year warranty, and an automated filtration system that can be monitored via the internet. Director of Sport Neil Kumar noted that the fa-

President Donald Ramotar addressing stakeholders at the commissioning of the warm-up swimming pool cility, along with others, minister and his team for “is a manifestation of what their “unstinting effort” this caring and responsible in making the facility a government is capable of reality. doing.” Brief remarks were For the President of the also given by the PresiGuyana Swimming Associ- dent of the South American ation, Ivan Persaud, the fa- Swimming Federation Juan cility is an upgrade for local Carlos Ortheila and Vice swimmers, who previously President of Fédération competed against their in- Internationale de Natation ternational counterparts, (FINA) Dale Neuburger, who were able to train, us- both of whom thanked the ing world class facilities. Guyana Government for He opined that while those the investment. The latter gathered for the ceremony described the new facilsit at the edge of the new ity as “a pool of dreams, pool, as a nation, “we stand dreams of young people on the edge of greatness in who will have a chance to our sport, with a new fa- learn to swim and to realcility, that will allow our ise their potential as young swimmers to practise to athletes in both fitness and their full potential.” competition.” He further thanked the For the Minister of

Youth, Sport and Culture Dr. Frank Anthony, it was a dream that was fulfilled and “another for us in the sporting community.” The facility, the minister added, has already been described by an international stakeholder as the “the Rolls Royce among pools in the Caribbean.” A new organisational structure will soon be installed to manage the facility, he noted, as he pledged to have more organisations use the pool. Letters, he said, have already been sent to the University of Guyana, the Cyril Potter College of Education, and secondary schools, to conduct physical training and swimming classes. The facility which will soon be openly available to the general public, is already being used by the Joint Services for various types of training. The ministry has a staff of coaches and life guards on duty also. The warm-up pool carries both a shallow and a deep end, ranging between 1.175m and 1.82m. It is the first internationally certified swimming facility to be built locally, and has seen the successful staging of several competitions and training sessions.

The newly commissioned warm-up swimming pool at the National Aquatic Center, Liliendaal

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Phagwah's meaning can be translated into people’s everyday lives T

- President at Phagwah celebrations

he atmosphere was one of enjoyment, as both young and old, Hindus and non-Hindus celebrated Holi, the Festival of Spring, with a mix of water and colourful powders. President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar joined Guyanese in Phagwah celebrations at various locations. The First couple first visited the celebration at the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) in Bel Air, Georgetown, then they went to an event hosted by Inspire Inc., at the Guyana National Stadium, and lastly, to the one hosted at the Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha, at Everest Cricket Ground. “This festival has a lot of meaning for people … that can be translated into their everyday life, one of which is celebrating their achievements, particularly when they have a good crop, and we in Guyana have a lot to celebrate,” was the message taken by the President, to all three events. The president, in highlighting things that Guyanese should celebrate, mentioned the strides that government has made in the transformation of Guyana, from a heavily poor indebted country, to a middle income developing one. He also spoke of the restoration of critical infrastructure, and how the government was able to build new and replace existing ones. “We could have gone much further, but we had impediments in the way, and therefore we have to work hard to continue

to build and never to regress, we must never go backward, our charge must always be to go forward, be progressive, and build on the solid foundation that we have laid over the years,” the president urged the gathering. This is what the administration will do in the future, to make Guyana strong and ensure that the citizens have a better quality of life, the Head of State noted. Phagwah or Holi, which is ushered in with the burning of Holika, is observed as a national holiday in Guyana, and is the Hindu celebration of the Spring Festival and the dawning of the New Year. The festival was brought to British Guiana by Hindus, who arrived as indentured labourers to work on the sugar plantations. The event at the Indian Cultural Centre was also attended by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand, Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall, PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Basil Williams and many members of the Diplomatic Corps. The audience was treated to spectacular dances from members of the Indian Cultural Centre. While at the Guyana National Stadium, President Ramotar entertained the crowd with lyrics of 'Bangalie Babu' alongside Guyanese artiste Terry Gajraj.

President Donald Ramotar joins Guyanese artiste Terry Gajraj on stage at the Guyana National Stadium.

President Donald Ramotar enjoying the Phagwah celebration with youths at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence

The large crowd at the Everest Cricket Club ground enjoying the Phagwah celebration

Celebrants enjoying Phagwah

President Donald Ramotar and First Lady Deolatchmee Ramotar, Education Minister Priya Manickchand, Legal Affairs Minister, Anil Nandlall, PPP/C Prime Ministerial candidate, Ambassador Elisabeth Harper, and Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Basil Williams along with members of the Indian Cultural Centre during the Phagwah celebration.

Members of the Indian Cultural Centre during a dance performance

President Donald Ramotar and Former President, Bharrat Jagdeo during the Phagwah celebration at the Guyana National Stadium

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Issue No: 12

March 13, 2015

Guyana Postcard

A view of the Teleperformance building, at the corner of Robb and Camp Streets

Another display of investor confidence in Guyana: Teleperformance, the global leader in multi-channel customer experience recently announced that it will be opening up a customercare facility in Guyana. The company which will be housed in this six-storey building is expected to employ more than 1,500 people.