The Guyanese Newspaper 17th Edition - May 22, 2015 by DPI | Department of Public Information

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Issue No: 17

May 22, 2015

Newly elected President of Guyana David Granger taking the oath of office

INSIDE “I will be a good President’ - President Granger at swearing in ceremony Page 3

Final results of 2015 elections Page 10

Congratulatory messages pour in for President Granger Page 11

Granger elected Guyana’s 8th Executive President

Guyana’s 2015 General and Regional Elections were conducted to a high standard - International observers Page 20

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Acceptance Speech by H.E. David Granger at Parliament Building

(Dear) Guyanese, It is written: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” We have come together at the National Assembly of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana as a mark of respect for the Parliament, for our Constitution and for the People of this great country, Guyana. We have good reasons to rejoice. We rejoice not only in the favourable results, but also in the enjoyment of our democracy. We went into the General and Regional elections on 11th May 2015 as a grand Coalition, comprising six parties: the Alliance for Change; Guyana Action Party; Justice for All Party; National Front Alliance; People’s National Congress Reform and Working People’s Alliance, and (we) won the support of the majority of people. We therefore record our gratitude, first, to the more than 408,000 citizens who participated in this important democratic process last Monday. We thank also the thousands of observers, officers, officials, agents and

other workers, from overseas and from Guyana, and representatives of foreign missions who (all) worked to ensure that the elections were conducted in a manner that satisfied international standards for efficiency and credibility. We congratulate the successful candidates of all parties who will soon be selected to become members of the 11th Parliament and encourage them to be faithful to their Oath of Office and to their constituents. Guyanese, the elections are over. The Guyanese people have chosen their representatives. The Constitution has been respected. Our democracy has been fortified. Let us now put past rivalries behind us and work in unity to banish poverty, ignorance, fear and hatred. We assemble here today to witness the swearing in, not of a party leader, but of the president of all the people. I shall be a good president for all the people. We, the Guyanese people, have chosen to inaugurate a ‘government of national unity’ and to promote our multi-party,

inclusionary partnership. We are convinced that this is the best way to overcome our historic divisions. We have witnessed the damage done to our beautiful country over the past twenty-three years. We have been mocked by the destruction of local democracy and the denial of local government elections. We have been treated with contempt by the dictatorial prorogation and dissolution of parliament. We have had to bear the brunt of the high rate of crime, including armed robberies, arson, inter-personal violence, murder, piracy, rapes, road fatalities, and Trafficking in Persons. We have had to bear the cost of the squandering of state resources on exorbitant but misconceived mega-projects. We have suffered most from the high cost of living and the high level of unemployment. We have not been filled with hatred by these conditions. We are, indeed, more determined than ever, to refashion society into one in which our womenfolk can look forward to working for ‘living wages’ to cope

with the cost of living; one in which old folk can enjoy adequate pensions and social protection. Our young people will be able to attain higher educational standards and look forward to finding satisfactory jobs when they leave school. Our women and girl children can look forward to living in safety and to being protected from abuse and violent crime. We the Guyanese people have seized the opportunity to vote for human safety, national unity and inclusionary democracy. We now look to the future. We invite you to attend the formal, official “Inauguration Ceremony” to be held at the National Stadium on 26th May; Independence Day. We also wish to inform you that the outgoing and incoming administrations, respectively, have agreed to establish a ‘Transition Team’ to facilitate the transfer of assets and the transmission of information needed to ensure the continuity of government and to guarantee the stability and security of the

state. Lt. Col Joseph Harmon has been appointed the leader of the new administration’s team, to manage this process. We announce also, that Mr. Moses Nagamootoo will be appointed the next prime minister as soon as he is sworn in as a Member of Parliament in accordance with the Constitution. Guyanese, we declared on 1st January this year, that 2015 would be the “Year of Democratic Renewal.” We were right. Let us therefore rejoice in the people’s choice. Let us embrace each other, regardless of religion, race, class, occupation, as fellow Guyanese. Let us work together, to realise our inspiring national motto: “One People, One Nation, One Destiny.” Let us be reminded of the famous national song: Let us co-operate for Guyana, Let us co-operate for our land, Let us resolve to fight together, See we do it right together Can we do it? Yes we can. May God bless Guyana!

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

“I will be a good President”

- President Granger at swearing in ceremony

President David A Granger greeting people gathered at Parliament Building compound r David Ar- rallied across the country, He called for the end- than ever to “Re-fashion and look forward to being thur Granger he explained as he thanked ing and past rivalries and society, one in which our protected from abuse and was sworn in as all of the candidates who the working together to women folk look forward violent crime.” Guyana’s eighth Execu- will become members of banish the many ills of so- to working for living wagAll of those in attendtive President at approxi- the 11th Parliament. All ciety such as, “poverty, ig- es to cope with high cost ance were urged to attend mately 2:19 on May 16 on were encouraged to be norance, fear and hatred”. of living. One in which old the formal inauguration The Head of State said folk can enjoy adequate on May 26, Independence that with the election of a pensions and social pro- Day, at the Guyana Nationnew leader, Guyanese have tection, one in which our al Stadium. “fortified” their right to de- young can attain higher The new and previous mocracy and stated clearly educational standards and governments have agreed that “I shall be a good Pres- look forward to attain jobs to set up a transition team ident for all the people of when they leave school, for the transfer of assets Guyana”. one in which our women and information to ensure the balcony of Parliament faithful to their oath of ofPresident Granger said and girl children can look smooth continuity of the building, in front of a large, fice and their constituents. they are more determined forward to living in safety, country’s administration jubilant crowd. The retired and its stability. The new Brigadier of the Guyana President also extended a Defence Force (GDF) was hand of friendship to the sworn in by Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh, after the proclamation was read by Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission, Dr Steve Surujbally. President Granger in his inauguration speech quoted Biblical scriptures saying outgoing Former President that, “This is the day that Donald Ramotar and his the lord has made, we will administration of the Peorejoice and be glad in it”. ple’s Progressive Party/ In his speech he reCivic for inclusionary deferred to the symbolism bemocracy. “Inclusionary dehind holding the swearing mocracy is the best way to in ceremony at Parliament. overcome our divisions,” All were gathered, he said, said the new president. not only for the favourable As his first actions as results but also in the “enPresident, he has appointjoyment of our democra- President David A Granger assisted by his wife Sandra Granger as he takes ed Joseph Harmon to act the oath of office before Acting Chancellor of the Judiciary, Carl Singh cy”. The six-party coalition in the capacity of Head of

“This is the day, which the lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it”.

the Presidential Secretariat – a post held by Dr. Roger Luncheon, to manage this transition process. His prime minister designate, Moses Nagamootoo will be sworn in as soon as he is sworn in as a member of parliament, President Granger added. Granger attended Queen’s College, where he was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps. He then joined the GDF as an officer cadet in 1965 and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966. He received his professional military training at the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria; the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil; and the School of Infantry and the Mons Officer Cadet School, respectively, in the United Kingdom. Granger – a University of Guyana Valedictorian – founded the Guyana Review news magazine in 1992, and served as its Managing Editor. He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of Guyana’s state media: the quest for control, and A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean. Sixty-nine-year-old Granger was the Presi-

Let us embrace each other, regardless of religion, race, class, occupation, as fellow Guyanese. dential Candidate of the APNU+AFC – a coalition of six of Guyana’s political players – the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), the Working People’s Alliance (WPA), National Front Alliance, the Guyana Action Party, Justice For All Party (JFAP) and the Alliance For Change (AFC).

The Guyanese - â&#x20AC;&#x153;Keeping the Diaspora informedâ&#x20AC;?

Thousands witness swearing-in of President Granger

Guyanese turned up in large numbers to witness the swearing-in of Mr. David Arthur Granger, the eighth Executive President of Guyana. Guyanese of all races gathered to watch as the APNU+AFC presidential candidate took the oath of office as President. It was a scene of jubilation,and smiles and tears, as history was made.

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

Well done Guyana!

ational elections for constitutional office are always in the main very competitive, for they, in every facet of action, display the well known tradition of adversarial politics. And this should be well understood, since it is a process that involves the pursuit of executive power by contending parties. However, at the centre of this most important national event is always the body politic, as it is the core of this constitutional process. The Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) has declared the official results of the May 11, 2015 poll, and in the process, the winner of the Presidency of the Republic of Guyana. For many countries, it is always a challenge to conduct national elections, because of what may have been controversial incidents in their past political histories. It explains why the advent of international observer teams has now become the norm, if only to ensure electoral polls, their planning and execution, are above board, and that by such, the will of the people has been democratically expressed. Thus, the recently held National and Regional Elections and their conduct, especially the disciplined approach of our citizens, who were the main participants in this constitutional exercise, must be commend-

ed. Despite a most competitive campaign that witnessed what bordered on North-American style rallies, and attended by thousands of whatever party supporters, there were no reported retaliatory acts of violence. In fact, it was heartwarming that the contesting parties were able to campaign in each other’s perceived “strongholds” without any real incidents. Such is the essence of electoral democracy. Of course, given our historical peculiarities, tensions were high, which solicited caution from many civil society organisations and political party leaders. However, there was no escalation into any form of violence that threatened to dampen the hectic hustings of the national and regional elections. Such incidents are all too common in the polling exercises of many other states. Even on Election Day, apart from two isolated incidents, Guyanese continued to display a maturity that overrode any tension that may have existing. Not even the known chronic, lengthy delays in pronouncing on the poll results by GECOM, despite the further high tension that such caused, provoked any extreme response from our people. This is more noteworthy, given the fact that young people constituted a very significant percentage

of the electors, particularly as first time voters. No doubt, that such a posture, solicited praise from the general view of the teams of international observers, who also commended the national polling authority for a job well done. It is well documented what very challenging past post-poll reactions there have been, particularly those between 1997 and 2001, but it is quite evident that Guyanese have learned their bitter lessons, especially the fact that such disorders, do entail serious consequences for the national economy, as well as harm ethnic relations. Certainly, Guyana is a democracy, in which all citizens have the inalienable right of supporting the party of their choice. This should be respected and therein must be no reason for animosity, one to the other, because of this democratic principle. It is also constitutionally enshrined, of the right to exercise their constitutional right of electing a government of their choice; and, there is no existing barrier to this coveted constitutional principle. Indisputably, these were the main guiding principles that influenced and guided Guyanese electors at the recently concluded National and Regional Elections, and even those held within the last nine years. Well done Guyana!

One of our greatest heroes Dear Editor, As a sports enthusiast, in which, among the many disciplines, I am an avid boxing fan, I am saddened by the sudden and tragic death of Andrew “Six Head Lewis. His untimely passing was certainly a thunder blow, since he was not known to be ill. Certainly, he made his Guyana proud, making all of us Guyanese rise to ten feet tall, when on that historical evening, when he became the first Guyanese boxer to triumph in a world boxing title fight, by stopping the American James Page. It was a night I shall never forget; for, it was as if a billion crescendos had risen to the heavens, amidst the tooting of horns, whether bicycles, motor cycles, motor vehicles; and even loud voices, all inter-blending for a single triumphal chorus,

to hail the new champ! Call it Guyana’s finest evening, its most auspicious sporting hour as far as the specific sport of boxing is concerned, since all those who had attempted to ascend to that level of boxing’s summit, had fallen short: Lennox Blackmoore, Terrence Ali, Reginald Forde, just to name three of our former great boxers whose bids at world boxing titles were unsuccessful. It was obvious that Guyana’s time had not yet arrived. Not that those pugilists mentioned, did not deserve, or bereft of the skills of the sweet science. Remembering “Six Heads”, from the start of his boxing career, particularly when he defeated that talented former Guyanese world-rater and title challenger, Ali, it was quite obvious to everyone that he was destined for

greater things. With each succeeding fight, he registered his intense hunger as he dispatched his opponents with destructive ease. Thus, it was only a matter of time before his ultimate success came, with a destructive display of power shots as he knocked out the American title holder, Page. So many of our very young Guyanese, particularly from “Six Heads”, hometown, Albouystown, became inspired by what he achieved, not only for himself, but also for Guyana. Just look at what occurred after his celebrated win: other Guyanese became world boxing champions! I have no doubt that their inspiration would have come from this Guyanese hero. He should be remembered as our greatest boxing hero, who made us all proud. Matthew Henson

There is a Guyana for all of us Dear Editor, The many thousands who witnessed the swearing- in of David Granger, as Guyana’s eighth President will agree that it was truly a historic moment, since the achievement of Independence, May 1966. It marked the first time that a Head-ofState/Government, of Guyana had publicly taken the Oath of Office, before thousands of their countrymen/women. I stand corrected, by saying that this was a classic display of bringing government to the people, and it much appreciated by the multitude who had begun to gather under a sweltering temperature, since early morning. Indeed, the new-

ly elected President’s speech was one that enclosed a call to all Guyanese, inclusive of the former President Donald Ramotar, to join with the new administration, in building the unity platform for the advancement of Guyana and its people. Call it a truly urgent plea for the immediate march of our country to such a coveted goal. For the many thousands who were there for the auspicious occasion, their presence, consisting of so many segments of our people, was indeed encouraging. Even the numerous media pictorials, that have been representative of scenes since

GECOM’S last Thursday’s declaration of the Preliminary results, that announced the Coalition as the winner of the May 11 polls, tell of not only a joy, but an enthusiasm for a better Guyana. Of course, nation building is a process that involves the key input of peoples’ participation. Thus, in asking for all those gathered around the historic public building, to join hands with their fellow Guyanese nearby, and render the patriotic song “Let us cooperate for Guyana”, the message is clear – there is a Guyana that belongs to all of us. Billy Jones

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The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Meet President David Arthur Granger the School of Infantry and the Mons Officer Cadet School, respectively, in the United Kingdom. He trained in Britain, then Brazil, then Nigeria, and eventually became commander of the Guyana Defence Force in 1979; he was promoted to the rank of brigadier. Granger was appointed as National Security Advisor to the President in 1990[1] and retired from the military service in 1992. Granger founded the Guyana Review news magazine in 1992, and served as its Managing Editor. He has researched and published on military, historical and media themes, and is also the author of Guyana's state media: the quest for control, and A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean.In 2010, he made a successful bid to be elected as the presidential candidate of the People’s National Congress Reform for the November 2011 general election. Standing as the opposi-

President David A. Granger as a young army brigadier orn in George- Army Command and Staff town, David College in Nigeria; the Granger attended Jungle Warfare InstrucQueen’s College Guy- tion Centre in Brazil; and ana's elite and prestigious school like the former Presidents, Forbes Burnham, Cheddi Jagan, Samuel Hinds, Hamilton Green and scholars like Walter Rodney and Rupert Roopnaraine. After leaving Queen’s College, where he was a member of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps, Granger joined the GDF as an officer cadet in 1965, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1966. He In earlier times… received his professional a young David and Sandra Granger military training at the

The First Couple David A. Granger and Sandra Sandra shares a moment

tion coalition's presidential candidate, Granger was defeated by People’s Progressive Party’s Donald Ramotar. He was unanimously elected as Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly on January 16, 2012. Granger stood again as the presidential candidate of the opposition coalition, APNU – AFC, in the May 11, 2015 general and regional election. The coalition secured the majority of votes, and Granger was sworn in as President of Guyana on May 16, 2015.

MILITARY TRAINING • Mons Officer Cadet School and the School of Infantry, United Kingdom. Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil • Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria • The Defence Planning and Resource Management course at the National Defence University, Washington, D.C. • Joint Special Operations University, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, USA. • Urban Policy Development Workshop at the University of California, Los Angeles MILITARY AWARDS: • Efficiency Medal (1976) • Military Service Medal (1981) • Military Service Star (1985) for distinguished military service NATIONAL SECURITY & ANTI-NARCOTIC ENFORCEMENT EXPERIENCE He was a member of several defense and security agencies holding the chairmanship of the Central Intelligence Committee, co-chairmanship of the Border and National Security Committee and membership of the Guyana Defense Board, National Drug Law Enforcement Committee and the Disciplined Forces Commission ACADEMIC TRAINING • University of Guyana -Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts • University of the West Indies- Post-Graduate Diploma in International Relations • University of Maryland -Hubert H. Humphrey Fellow PUBLIC ORGANIZATION AFFILIATIONS & SERVICE • President, History Society • President, Guyana Heritage Society • President, University of Guyana Guild of Graduates • President, Guyana Chess Federation • University of Guyana Council • Association of Caribbean Historians • Caribbean Studies Association • Guyana Press Association • Guyana Book Foundation • Guyana Legion • Board of Trustee Guyana Veterans Association BOOKS & WRITTEN WORKS • National Defense: A Brief History of the Guyana Defense Force, 1965- 2005 • A Preliminary Study of Women Soldiers in the Anglophone Caribbean • Public Security: Criminal Violence and Policing in Guyana • Five Thousand Day War: The Struggle for Haiti’s independence, 1789-1804 • The British Guiana Volunteer Force, 1948-1966 • The Guyana National Service, 1974-2000 • The Guyana People’s Militia, 1976-1997 • The Queen’s College Cadet Corps, 1889-1975 • Guyana’s Coinage, 1808-2008 • The Era of Enslavement, 1638-1838 • The Village Movement, 1839-1889 • Themes in African-Guyanese -Co-editor, with Winston McGowan and James Rose • Guyana Review and Emancipation magazines (former publisher) ACADEMIC AWARDS • President’s Medal – Best graduating student • Dennis Irvine Prize – Student who has made the greatest contribution to all cultural life of the University • Council of the University Prize • Elsa Goveia Medal of Excellence • Guy de Weever History Prize • Earl Attlee History Prize • Mary Noel Menezes Award for History • Department of History Prize and others, from the University of Guyana PERSONAL & FAMILY David Granger was born on July 15, 1945 in Georgetown, Guyana and is married to Sandra (née Chan-A-Sue). He is the father of two daughters.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Scenes of swearing-in of President Granger

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Final results of 2015 elections

he Guyana Election Commission on May 17 officially declared that the APNU+AFC (A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance For Change) coalition won the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections. Figures provided by Chief Elections Officer (CEO) Keith Lowenfield, during a live press

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

conference, hosted at GECOM command centre, show that A Partnership for National Unity/ Alliance for Change (APNU/ AFC) party has won the 2015 General and Regional Elections. The results were presented after the approval of the Commissioners. Chairman of GECOM Dr. Steve Surujbally then declared that

in keeping with the Constitution of Guyana, David Arthur Granger has been elected President. He also related that the commission has made a genuine effort “to do right and not to look right.” The Chairman noted that “I have spoken at length [about] the reason for these delays, all the legal items and elements we had to address.” The declaration was

delayed by several requests for a recount by the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) who was unwilling to concede victory to the APNU+AFC. The results were taken after GECOM processed the 2,299 Statements of Poll (SoPs) which were presented to them by the returning officers who worked on May 11, during the 2015 general

The final general results provided by GECOM

Total Votes by Region (General)

Total Votes by Region (Regional)

and regional elections. A total of 412, 012 valid ballots were cast by the electorate. The Guyana Elections Commission has declared APNU+AFC the winner of the 2015 general elections and it will have 33 seats in Parliament while the PPP/C will have 32. Thirtythree (33) seats are required for a majority.

Congratulatory messages pour in for President Granger

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana’s new President David Arthur Granger has received congratulatory messages from several organisations following the official declaration by the Guyana Elections Commission of the APNUAFC victory, and his subsequent swearing-in at Parliament Building.

Private Sector Commission

he Private Sector Commission, on this historic occasion, extends warm congratulations to the new President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency David Arthur Granger, and his new government. The Commission lauds the new President for a well fought campaign which focused on uniting the people of Guyana and for

the promise of an inclusionary government which ensures that the needs of all the people are met. We look forward to a new government which will encourage private investment and support the private sector as it continues to strive for the creation of jobs and the overall development of our country.

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

“I

would like to congratulate President David Granger and the APNU/AFC coalition on their success in the 2015 election. I have great expectations that the new government will reach out and promote healing and reconciliation in Guyana. It is now time for all Guyanese to unite and work together to realise the great potential of their country,” he said in a statement. Though former President Carter has departed Guyana, members of the Carter Centre remained to monitor the elections. The Carter Centre deployed more than 50 observers throughout all 10 regions of

Guyana for the 2015 General and Regional Elections. Its observers have remained in Guyana to monitor the process of tabulating and declaring results. The Carter Centre has commended the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for a job well done in managing the elections, and has declared that the process was free, fair, and transparent. The PPP/C has, however, contended that the elections were not without irregularities; but the British, Canadian, U.S., Caricom and Commonwealth observer missions have maintained that the process was fair and free of any irregularities.

Embassy of the United States of America

“I

t is our hope that President Granger will work to repair the divisions in Guyanese society that have emerged during the election period and will work to promote inclusive governance and national development in the best interests of all of the people of Guyana,” the Embassy said in a statement. It said the United States of America pledges its willingness to work collaboratively with the new government in this regard. At the same time, the Embassy said it wishes to extend its appreciation to outgoing President Donald Ramotar and the members of his government for their service to the people of Guyana. The Embassy congratulates President Ramotar for the numerous achievements that his government made in the socio-economic development of the country and in strengthening the

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

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry

he record will show that in the year before we celebrate our 50th Anniversary as a nation, the people of Guyana peacefully selected a new government to become the steward of our national affairs. There were of course some delays and hiccups which caused some tense, if not frightening moments. Through it all, however, we as a people and a nation showed the level of patience that prevented us from going down that path of senseless violence and destruction from which it would have been difficult to recover. As the coalition celebrates its electoral success in the coming days, it is critical that it realises the magnitude of the work ahead. A win by less than 10,000 votes is a clear indication that there is a significant constituency that needs to be convinced of the new government’s good intentions. Both sides of the divide during the election season show clearly that there is a lot of work to be done. We must caution,

however, that the solution is not to focus only on allaying the fears of one section of the population but the establishment of a comprehensive social compact that ensures that all groups are comfortable living and prospering in Guyana as is their right as citizens. The coalition has already indicated that it is willing to work with the Opposition but it is also for the Opposition to play the responsible role in Parliament expected in a functioning democracy. It is said that third time is the charm. Once again, we have been given another opportunity to govern ourselves in a manner that will realize the potential that for the past 50 years has been nothing more than a broken promise. It is important we do not squander the opportunity. We may not get it again. We at the Chamber therefore wish the new Government all success and look forward to the forging of the partnerships so critical to the nation’s economic future.

Sir Ron Sanders - Senior Research Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth studies, University of London in the UK

our Excellency President David Granger; Hon Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo Congratulations on the success of the coalition of the APNU and the AFC at the May 11 General Elections. Your government, consisting of six political parties, is a strong foundation for national cohesion to which I know you are both deeply committed.

I wish you good fortune in the task of building Guyana in the context of its national motto, “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. The future of Guyana holds much promise for all its people. I know your government will work energetically to ensure the full realization of that promise. With best wishes. Sir Ronald Sanders

Prem Misir - Pro-Chancellor of the University of Guyana

“T

he Guyanese people through the sheer power of their vote have brought forth to this land a new paradigm in Guyana’s politics; where no more would any one political party have an exclusive monopoly over the political destiny of any ethnic group. At the May 11, 2015 General and Regional Elections, the people spoke loudly and clearly about national unity as their critical priority, and they did this through fracturing the traditional support bases of the two major political parties.

And for those who are reluctant to accept and engage this new historical reality must be deemed to be in denial. But for now, all Guyanese should congratulate APNU+AFC coalition on a well-deserved electoral win which places it in the driver’s seat to advance nation building, fully inclusive of the poor and vulnerable. Let me also use this window of opportunity to wish the coalition well in the formidable tasks that lie ahead.” Prem Misir

Congratulatory messages... 12

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed” from page 11

The Anna Catherina Islamic Complex

he Anna Catherina Islamic Complex (ACIC) & The Guyana United Sadr Islamic Anjuman (GUSIA) on behalf of the wider Muslim community express our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. David A. Granger, as the Eighth elected President of the Republic of Guyana. In choosing you, the Guyanese people have chosen the path of change and optimism. At a time when the nation is so divided, the expression of faith in you and in the future is placed in the hands of yourself and your government. It is now up to you to bring about the unity that is so badly needed in our country. At this time when we must face the enormous challenges in this beautiful country of ours, your election raises immense hope for the establishment of a united Guyana and to preserve peace and prosperity as well as the enviable diversity of the peoples of this great nation. We call on you to be a President for

every Guyanese, those who voted for you and those who voted against you. Your extension of a hand to the opposition party will be most welcomed to take our nation forward. Your leadership remains vital to meeting the tremendous challenges; peace and security and basically living the dream of a people who are united by race, by religion and by ethnicity. Guyanese are prepared to work together to build our country. The Muslim community will work and support your government and pledge our contribution in nation building. As an Honorary Member of ACIC, we are doubly proud of your assumption to the highest office of the land and we are committed as a group to remain involved in the process of nation building by holding the government accountable for the decisions and the implementation of all the promises made during the campaign period. HAKEEM KHAN President General – ACIC

Prime Minister Kamla PersadBissessar of Trinidad and Tobago

rime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP, has congratulated the new Guyana President, retired Brigadier General, David Granger, for winning the general elections contested in that country on May 11. In a congratulatory message, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar said, "On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and on my own behalf, I wish to extend sincerest congratulations to the new President on the victory of A Partnership for National Unity and the Alliance for Change (APNU and AFC) under his stewardship in the recently concluded and keenly contested General Elections held in Guyana on Monday May 11th, 2015. "The electoral success of the alliance

signifies the commitment of the people of Guyana to work together in the interest of the country and is a clear indication of the confidence that the people of Guyana have in the vision for the future which the APNU and AFC articulated. "As Mr. Granger embarks on his tenure as President, I am confident that under his leadership, Guyana will continue as on its path to further development and prosperity, and I look forward to working with him towards the pursuit of our bilateral and regional interests. "Permit me to reaffirm the commitment of the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to further strengthening the bonds of friendship which have traditionally existed between our two countries," Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar added.

CARICOM

he Caribbean Community (CARICOM extends heartiest congratulations to you President Granger, on your election to the Presidency of Guyana. The Community also extends congratulations to the coalition of A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) + Alliance for Change (AFC) on its victory at the polls. CARICOM praises the people of Guyana for the free and fair elections and on their discipline and patience as they awaited the final result of the polls. President Granger, the electorate has reposed their confidence in you and your coalition of parties, to carry them forward in their quest for sustainable development and continued improvement

in their standard of living. CARICOM stands ready to support you and your government in this regard. As a founding member of CARICOM and its headquarters country, Guyana plays a critical role in the integration movement. We look forward to the fresh ideas and perspectives which you, Mr. President and your Government, will bring to the strengthening and solidifying of our Community. My colleague Heads of Government and I look forward to personally welcoming you, Mr. President, to the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, at the soonest possible opportunity. Caricom Chairman, Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie

The Guyana Islamic Trust

he Guyana Islamic Trust congratulates His Excellency David Arthur Granger and the APNU+AFC on their victory in the just concluded General and Regional Elections. We join with the entire Muslim community in urging the new government to approach this great responsibility with the highest level of integrity, commitment and statesmanship, and we eagerly look forward to the fulfillment of the promises made for “the first hundred days” after assuming office for the benefit of all Guyanese. Furthermore, we look forward to working with the new government towards the upliftment of the moral standards in our country, as well as the promotion of love, unity, care and concern among all Guyanese without discrimination of any kind, since Islam teaches equality of all peo-

ple. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) has said: "All people are equal like the teeth of a comb. No superiority is given to an Arab over a non-Arab or a white person over a colored person except by the fear of God.” We commend the Guyanese people on the maturity, patience and peacefulness they have demonstrated in the last few days since elections, and we urge all to continue in the same vein to ensure the continued security and stability of our nation. We wish to also thank the previous administration for its support to the Muslim community while in Office. We look forward to a warm and cordial relationship with the new government in working towards a brighter future for all Guyanese. Administrative Council Guyana Islamic Trust

The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association The Guyana Manufacturing & Services Association (GMSA) Ltd extends congratulations to our President, David Granger MSc MSM MSS on being elected to the Executive Presidency of Guyana. We also take this opportunity to congratulate his party, the APNU+AFC Coalition, and the people of Guyana in general for the maturity displayed during and after the just concluded General and Regional Elections. The nation’s manufacturers, service providers, commercial entrepreneurs, importers and exporters are indeed anxious at this time to get on with business, to continue the process of raising Guyana’s standing in the world of trade. The GMSA is particularly anxious to get on with our business of facilitating the creation of more value-added industries that will utilize Guyana’s many natural resources in secondary and tertiary production. Our country’s capacity in this regard is tremendous even with the traditional products such as gold, rice, sugar, timber and agricultural crops. Today, Guyana stands on a springboard and we at the GMSA are ready to promote the evolution of downstream manufacturing and services enterprises

which are expected to spring up from the find of commercial quantities of hydrocarbons (oil and gas); from the anticipated construction of a deep water harbour; from the rehabilitation of the Demerara Harbour and Navigational Channel; and from the resurgence of the gold and diamond industry. The agriculture and agroprocessing sector is also ripe for immediate expansion which the GMSA plans to facilitate with technical and financial support through our trade development partnerships with agencies in the Caribbean, North America and Europe. The Association looks forward to close collaboration with the incoming Coalition government which has already laid out broad strategies to address these initiatives that will redound to the benefit of the business community and to Guyanese in general. In addition, we anticipate that more effective strategies will be implemented in the immediate future to re-train and re-equip our law enforcement bodies to ensure the personal and material safety of business owners and their communities. The GMSA hopes that the calm which has accompanied these recent elections will stretch into the years ahead.

British High Commission

et me take this opportunity to congratulate the people of Guyana following the formal declaration of results of the 2015 General and Regional elections. This was a hard fought campaign and the high level of participation is to be commended. Let me also take this opportunity to congratulate David Granger, on his swearing in as the new President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. I look forward to working with him and his team during the

coming years. It is also important to thank former President Ramotar and those who served in his government for their service to Guyana. As we move forward now is the time to look to inclusiveness and reconciliation. As President Granger said in his speech the new government must represent the will of all the people of Guyana. The UK stands ready to assist with this process. High Commissioner Greg Quinn

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyanese react to news of APNU+AFC victory

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyanese react to news of APNU+AFC victory

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyanese react to news of APNU+AFC victory

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyanese react to news of APNU+AFC victory

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana’s 2015 General and Regional Elections were conducted to a high standard

- International observers

Free, Fair, and Credible - US Embassy

he U.S. Embassy has congratulates the Guyanese people on the democratic process that its batch of observers, observed during elections. The Embassy in a press release said that Chairman Dr. Steve Surujbally, Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, and the Commissioners and staff of the Guyana Elections Commission must be congratulated for their successful organization of the polls. “It was heartening to witness the enthusiasm with which Guyanese voters participated in the electoral process which will ultimately choose their next government… the Guyana Elections Commission has once again done a credible job in ensuring that this critical election day phase of the process was free and fair,” a press release from the embassy said. “It dealt effectively with the challenges posed by high voter turnout and community exuberance in a manner that has ensured the integrity of the vote,” the Embassy said.

Secrecy of the ballot was protected and respected - CARICOM Election Observer

ddressing the media, Head of Mission, Earl Simpson, Deputy Director of Elections, Electoral Office, Jamaica, outlined the deployment of the Caribbean Community Election Observer Mission team, visits to polling stations and overall impressions of the conduct of the polls stating that some 224 polling stations within 87 polling places were visited. Accompanied by Josephine Tamai, Chief Elections Officer, Elections and Boundaries Department, Simpson stated, “The secrecy of the ballot was protected and respected,” the CARICOM Observers said in an Interim Statement. “In our view, the conduct of the Poll should result in the expression of the will of the people of Guyana. It is our hope that the

Addressing the media, Head of Mission, Earl Simpson results will be accepted and chise in a peaceful and orderly manner. respected.” “The election staff perOther members of the CARICOM mission included formed their duties extremely electoral officials from Belize, well and commendations are Antigua and Barbuda, Baha- in order. The police were able mas, Barbados, Dominica, to regulate the flow into the Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and polling stations and ensured the Grenadines, and Trini- that the lines remained ordad and Tobago. According derly. They were quite proto the head of the mission, at fessional in their interaction the polling places and polling with the polling station staff, stations visited, electors were electors and the various politiable to exercise their fran- cal stakeholders”.

Simpson extended the mission’s sincere appreciation and heartfelt thanks to the Secretary-General of CARICOM and his staff for the invitation to participate in this Mission and for providing expertise and support to fulfill their mandate. Asked about some of the challenges faced, Simpson said that he and other members stand ready to assist in the systematic improvements needed in the local electoral process. These would result in the more timely transmission of results. This methodology can only be changed or adapted once the legislation is changed, he added and pointed out that the new government’s leadership and the opposition leader must “be brave and bold” to facilitate this.

Commonwealth Observer Group lauds Guyanese

he Commonwealth Observer Group The Commonwealth Observer Group is of the assessment that all aspects of the Guyana’s 2015 general and regional elections from the opening of polls to the voting and counting of results were conducted to a high standard, and for this the polling staff and GECOM are to be commended, the observer mission said. “We wish to congratulate the people of Guyana, who turned out early on Election Day to exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner. We noted that the volume of voters at polling stations began to decline as the day progressed,” the observer group said in a released statement. It noted that polling stations opened on time, were appropriately laid out and were supplied with adequate materials. “The need to protect the secrecy of the ballot was clearly well thoughtout, and the layout of most polling stations more than adequately provided for it.” Also noted was the fact that

Stakeholders, the media and election observers at the GECOM's media centre polling staff appeared to be in several cases not designed to knowledgeable, methodical and facilitate those with limited or diligent in following the laid out different physical or other needs. voting and vote counting proceSecurity presence at polling dure. “We saw a high number of stations appeared to be adequate all-female polling staff teams. and non-intrusive, the mission Political party agents and do- observed, and commended, the mestic observers appeared to be preparedness of the police and satisfied with the transparency of defence forces to maintain peace the process at all of its stages,” throughout. the release said. On the other hand the mission It also said that it was evident noted that, “Portraits of the Presithat polling officials were ready dent, Prime Minister and Ministo assist elderly and disabled vot- ter of Education were in full and ers, however the location and prominent view in a significant layout of polling stations were number of primary and nursery

schools that served as polling stations and that in most instances polling staff were not aware of instructions from GECOM to cover or remove them." “It was also reported to the Observer Group that isolated incidents of unrest took place across the country on Election Day, including an incident at the St. Sidwell School polling station, which was responsibly contained by the leadership of a contesting political alliance, the police and polling staff,” the release stated. Among other key findings noted by the Observer Group and highlighted in the release was their observation of the competitive and lively election campaign environment in the country and the concerns raised about the inflammatory rhetoric and personal attacks by elements of political leadership during the campaign period. “This was especially disappointing as it violated the voluntary code of conduct agreed by political parties, which is aimed

at guarding against malicious and confrontational campaigning,” the release stated. The release also noted the observers concern with a number of allegations of direct vote buying and the misuse of state resources to induce voters. “It was clear to us that Guyana has an active media sector, and this election period was extensively reported in print and on TV, radio and online. The role of social media in this campaign, including social networking sites and blogs, appears to have increased in comparison to the last election,” the release said. “The Media Monitoring Unit has highlighted incidents of biased reporting. We note the domination of state owned media. We are concerned about the lack of fair access to all parties. These issues are especially concerning considering the fact that all major media outlets are also signatories to a code of conduct which binds them to balanced, fair and accurate coverage in election periods,” it added.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

UNASUR observers laud Guyana’s electoral process

he Union of South American Nations’ (UNASUR) observer mission has lauded the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) for its coordination of polling day activities, ensuring that all polling stations have the necessary materials for citizens to exercise their right to vote. Upon visiting and observing the organisation of the polling stations, Head of Mission Dr. Domingo Paredes said that other countries in the region can learn from Guyana in this regard, as it has developed a creative electoral system, even with very little resources. The team observed the voting process at 12 polling stations at Parika, Region Three; 8 in Georgetown, Region Four; 8 in New Amsterdam, Region Six, and 5

in Linden, Region Ten. While congratulating voters who were punctual, Paredes noted that, “At 7 am we saw many voters waiting for the polling to begin, and in this sense, I say again congratulations…by 10 am we had already seen that there was a 35 to 40 percent voter who had already voted,” Paredes explained. He said that in others countries in the regions there are delays for as many as two hours. He also pointed to the fact that there were information points at every centre visited, and even security personnel, which are commendable. Paredes highlighted that the polling agents were well educated on the protocols of their activities. He emphasised that the presence of representatives from the various political

parties, who also had the official list of electors, were also noticeable, and the number of females involved in the process. Again, this is not so in the rest of South America and

The UNASUR observer mission these are also features that capped and recommended other countries can adopt that Guyana implement from Guyana. an “accessibility plan” to However, the mission accommodate them come was concerned about the next election. Another obaccessibility of facilities servation was the overfor the elderly and handi- crowding of some polling

stations and urged that there be more polling stations in future. The mission stated that they have not received any reports of disturbances that should warrant any alarm.

OAS Electoral Observation Mission commends Guyana on electoral turnout

he Electoral Observation Mission (EOM) of the Organization of American States (OAS), led by Senator Lisa Shoman from Belize congratulated the citizens of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana for their participation in the electoral process reflected by the high percentage of voter turnout. The OAS/EOM team of 22 observers from 13 countries was present from the opening of the polls up to the counting of the votes in all 10 regions of the country, visiting a total of 379 polling stations during Election Day. In a press release the OAS stated, “The Mission recognizes the significant improvements made by the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) since 2011 to plan and prepare for the 2015 electoral process, specifically in the areas of transparency, logistics and inclusiveness of political parties in the process. The Observation Mission highlights the extraordinary commitment of presiding officers, returning officers, poll clerks,

party agents and security officials in the exercise of their duties and commends voters for their determination to fulfill their civic responsibility, despite in some cases waiting in long lines.” The release also noted that the mission expresses its concern over the reported incidents of violence in some areas, which temporarily affected the planned progress of the tabulation exercise. With the purpose of strengthening the electoral system in Guyana, and based on the observations and information gathered by direct observations of the OAS team, as well as in meetings with a wide range of stakeholders, the Electoral Observation Mission offered the following preliminary findings. 1. While the process of transmitting results in Guyana contains safeguards to reinforce the accuracy of the electoral outcome, the manual nature of the process is inherently timeconsuming. Given the particular geographical and logistical challenges of Guyanese elections, the

Mission encourages GECOM to consider implementing a system of issuing preliminary results for national elections. The use of technology might serve to diffuse tension and avoid incidents of violence on election night. 2. The Mission heard from a wide variety of stakeholders that access to State Media was not provided to all political parties on an equal basis. We recommend that consideration be given to regulation that promotes equitable access to all contenders of the electoral process. At the same time, the Mission wishes to recognize the work of the Media Monitoring Unit in highlighting the disparity in coverage by media on the political campaign. 3. The OAS /EOM laments the tone of the political debate leading up to Election Day and urges all political parties to build a constructive dialogue based on programmatic actions that benefit the Guyanese people and avoid aggressive personal disqualifications. 4. Guyana benefits from

a house-to-house voter verification exercise conducted in the presence of party scrutinizers as well as from the pre-electoral claims and objections process. However, during both the preliminary mission and the days before the elections, the OAS/ EOM heard from a wide range of stakeholders concerns related to a 20% increase in the number of voters. The Mission observed the lack of a timely procedure for cleansing and updating the voter registry. 5. With regard to political financing, the OAS/EOM observed that while a legal framework already exists, there is the clear need to revise and modernize aspects of the law which are obsolete and which allows violations and non-compliance with few sanctions. Additionally, in order to promote equity in the electoral process, the Mission recommends the consideration of some form of state funding for political parties. 6. The Mission observed the significant presence of women throughout the electoral

process as poll workers, party agents and candidates. Guyana is the only country in the Anglophone Caribbean with a gender quota, which requires that candidate lists be composed of at least 33% of women, on both the national top-up and geographic levels. The Mission commends GECOM's effective enforcement of this quota during the pre-electoral period. As we await the final electoral results, the OAS/EOM calls on all political parties to respect that percentage established in the actual allocation of the seats. 7. In order to avoid long lines of electors waiting to cast their vote, the Mission recommends the introduction of a standardized process that will allow verification of electors to enable the verification of at least one or two additional voters while one voter is casting his/her ballot. Additionally, the Mission recommends the consideration of special measures in order to facilitate the access of disabled and the elderly to polling stations.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Democracy at work… Thousands turn

up at polling stations on Election Day T housands of Guyanese, from very early in the morning, queued up at their respective polling stations to exercise their constitutional right of casting their vote for the party of their choice, on May 11. Voter turnout was very,

heavy increasing from 341092 in 2011 to 408274 out of a total of 570,787 registered voters, an increase of 19.62% or 67,182 voters. Large gatherings of citizens formed long lines outside of the polling stations, across the coun-

try, long before the opening of the polls at 6:00am gathered and awaited their turn to cast their votes to elect the government of their choice. The Government Information Agency (GINA), during a visit to some of these polling stations

(including Tucville, Sophia, Queenstown and Sheriff Street,) interacted with some of the electors who shared their feelings and thoughts on the electoral process. While some individuals emphasised the fact that they had

been standing in queues for many hours, they conceded that they understood the importance of their votes to the electoral process, and did not mind. First time voters, on the other hand expressed their excitement and some amount of nervousness.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Democracy …

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Democracy …

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Granger meets OP staff – urges professionalism

ddressing staffers at the Presidential Complex, President David Granger, two days after taking office, reminded employees that the entity is a very important branch of the public service and the hub of government hence, it is very important that it functions efficiently. “You’re all professionals, and I am not going to enquire into your political leads, I am not going to enquire into your business leads, I don’t know if you belong to the lodge, I don’t want to know if you put your head in a turban, (or) burn candles at night. When you come in to work, I want you to understand you’re serving the people of Guyana without

fear or favour, affection or ill will,” the Head of State said. He reminded them of the oath he took on May 16 when he became President saying, “I am not being sworn in as leader of APNU/AFC, I am being sworn in as President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana. If I could have a public conscience, or public vision, or public sense of vision, I would expect all of you to have that vision”. He pointed to the fact that while everyone is biased, the degree of their professionalism is determined by their ability to suppress that bias. In whatever field persons work, the first thing is

President David Arthur Granger and Acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon meet with staff at the Office of the President soon to be renamed Ministry of the Presidency professionalism, President Granger reiterated, noting that their Office of the President jobs are deter-

mined by their expertise. He explained that professionalism also is based on a sense of solidarity and,

“We’re all working here together, we’re not working at daggers drawn… So in any group of profession-

als there has to be a sense of solidarity. If you don’t possess that solidarity, well then we will fail in our duty.” Staffers were also reminded that, “Parties come, (and) parties go,” and asked that all stakeholders put behind them all of the acrimony and antipathy of the past week or the past years. “I would like us to look forward to a Guyana which is respectful of all of the people”. The meeting was one of several that President Granger had on his schedule as part of the transitioning phase of taking the reins of government, and ensuring the smooth continuity of the administration of the nation.

Harmon to be in charge of APNU+ AFC 100- day plan renamed Office of the President will be delivered – Harmon – President Granger

The Staff of the Office of the President present tokens of welcome and Acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon

resident David Granger has proposed to designate the Office of the President as the Ministry of the Presidency. This was told to staffers at the Presidential Complex, when the president met with them. He stated that the new ministry will be headed by Lt. Col. Rt. Joseph Harmon, and explained that when Harmon enters the National Assembly, he will be designated the Minister of State, so he will be head, or the minister in charge of the Ministry of the Presidency. The president said that from time to time, other ministers will be appointed in the Presidency, “but Mr. Harmon will be the person who will be exercising the ministerial function under my directions of this ministry… Some departments will continue, some will remain, but most important thing is that we ensure there is no disruption, simple. Comrade Harmon will

be doing the job that Dr. Luncheon, did, with some exceptions, he won’t be doing NIS, but as far as OP is concerned, he is minister in charge.” Lt. Col. Rt. Harmon expressed his gratitude at the appointment saying that the A Partnership for National Unity /Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration intends to be service oriented. “We are the servants of the people, and the people are excited and expectant, and if you understand this, this is what they are looking for. I have met with some of the staff already and indicated that there is no witch hunt. Government has to be continued, we expect that you will serve to deliver this. We will provide a quality of service that all ministries must emulate, that would be the envy of the Caribbean.” The president will meet all Permanent Secretaries on May 20 at the Guyana International Conference Centre.

ssigned Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joseph Harmon said that the APNU+AFC overall 100day plan has to do with commitment and confidence building. “It has to do with the confidence we have in national institutions. It has to do with the mobilisation and the engagement of the people in the process of decision making,” Harmon told the National Communications Network (NCN) Inc. today. He explained that the cane farmers and rice farmers’ conferences were “all about getting the issues that do affect the industry from the bottom up, getting the actual people who have to do the planting, who have to do the repairing and reaping, involved in the decision making of the industry. Harmon noted that these persons’ views are often ignored or disregarded by the people at the top. “The people who actually toil in the sun and the rain on a daily basis, their views are not taken into consideration,” he explained. This is why the APNU+AFC has as part of its 100-day plan these conferences and, as well as such tasks as the de-politicising of the National Toshaos Conference. “We are going to remove the political element out of it. What you will get is genuine decision-making for Amerindian communities, the rice farmers and cane farmers,” he explained. Harmon said that these plans are not “pies in the sky” but are things that the party has genuinely considered and feel it can achieve.

The new APNU+AFC administration, as part of its immediate plans, will seek to reduce the Berbice Bridge toll, significantly increase salary for public servants, implement a phased reduction of VAT, remove VAT from food and other essential items, set the date for the early holding of Local Government Elections, establish the Public Procurement Commission, call a National Cane Workers and Cane Farmers Conference, arrange a National Rice Farmers and Rice Millers Conference, set up an Investigative Commission on Corruption, Task Forces on Crime & Security and on Road Safety, and a National Conference for Women, and a bi-partisan Women’s Working Group.

Acting Head of the Presidential Secretariat Joesph Harmon being interviewed by NCN’s Eddie Layne

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

I would like a government of all of the people - President David Granger

resident David Granger sat down with ‘First Look’ in one of the first interviews conducted since being sworn-in as Head of State. The transcript of that interview is contained below. Q- You are the 8th Executive President. How does that feel? Is it different from when you were in the opposition? A- It is different because I now have the support of the majority of the population to do the things that they wanted done and that’s why I’m here, that’s why they elected me. It’s a feeling of great responsibility and I’m expected to discharge that responsibility. I’ve had the opportunity over the last five years to meet with scores of communities in all 10 regions and I have a good idea what the people have been asking for. So it a sense of humility, but also a sense of responsibility that I take up this job at this point in time. Q- When that announcement was made by GECOM where you were? A- Well you know it was a long slow week and there was a series of announcements. I was at the campaign head office in Crow Street. Q- What did your wife said to you? A-well she wasn’t with me at that time. The people who were with me were campaign supporters and there was a loud “WOW” and of course she was happy. She has been with me on the campaign trail and our entire family is very happy, just as the country is very happy that there has been a change from the former government. Q-You drove yourself to church yesterday. A- I normally drive myself to church, as the distance is very short; it’s about a kilometer away from where I live, so I don’t see the need for drivers and security. Q-Is that going to continue? A- It depends on the situation, but normally I prefer to go to worship in a simple frame of mind, nothing too fussy. Q- For the persons who don’t know you are a father of two girls.

A- Yes that’s correct. One is married, lives and works here and the other is in Canada and she should be coming back for the formal inauguration next Tuesday. They are both grown. Q- Have you called the former president? A- No! Nor has he called me. The last I spoke to him was the night before the swearing in. Q-Have you stretch forth that hand to the former administration and have they accept it? A- There is no indication of acceptance; in fact I saw an article in the newspaper that they will be no acceptance of any invitation to join the administration. I am disappointed, not surprised. This is the moment that Guyana have been waiting for, one that we should regard as a start of a process for building national unity as a process of creating inclusionary democracy and rejecting the “winners take all” mentality and I think it’s a opportunity missed, like a cricketer dropping the ball, it may not come again. What happened in 2011 and 2015, is that the people changed, they stop thinking race and started to think about issues and this would be a good moment for the PPP and Former President Ramotar to send a message to his supporters that we want Guyana to move forward and we are prepared to join this movement for national unity, rather than stay on the sidelines and complain and carp and criticize. Q-When your tenure will have come to an end…what is the legacy you are hoping to leave behind for the Guyanese people? A-Three things. That there will be universal literacy, a completely literate and well educated population, that poverty will be abolish, no extremely poor people and good employment for young people. I really want to see every single Guyanese child, no matter how poor his or her background is, in school and if at the end of my tenure I can go through the streets and villages and see nobody liming, nobody skulking from school, o children selling papers during school hours, I’d be very happy. Q- Would you be going

into those communities within Georgetown, outside of Georgetown and how soon? A-I’ve been in the communities for the last 5 years. I think I’ve campaign in the communities more than any other single person over the last 6 months in particular, in the Rupununi alone I’ve been in over 20 villages and on the coast, between Augusts to December I did about 40 villages. I don’t always publicize my visits, but I’ve been engaging communities on the coastland and the hinterland and I will continue. Q – People are asking already, they are asking about taxes, housing initiatives and programmes. What is it that people need to understand in this point in time? The party did lay out 100 day plan. A-People are right in expecting change that what they voted for. They don’t want a continuation of the PPP regime and we intend to fulfill the promises we made. I want to see a strong public service and strong security services. If they are not well paid then they wouldn’t perform well, so I will pay them better. I want to see a reduction in the high cost of living, in particularly for women who have households and I want to see a reduction in the cost of food particularly and we hope to change the tax threshold, so that maybe persons who are gaining very low income will not have pay income tax at all. We want to reduce the Value Added Tax (VAT) that may have an impact, particularly on food and reduce the toll on the Berbice River Bridge. There are specific things that we want to do but they mostly concern about giving people, giving households the opportunity to get into a more comfortable frame of life and improve their quality of life and once that is done, there will be children going to school, better education, and better employment. I would call it a virtual cycle, remove poverty and we will get better education, better employment and so it goes. If we stay at the present state, with so many poor people, we will never progress. Too many people are just locked out of development; they just live hand to mouth. They get some 37,000 monthly and they just hustle to get some food, they can’t rent property quarters, they can’t bring up their children, they can’t educate their

children properly, can’t get transport to various destination. Poverty is a big strength on development and I would like to see the absolute abolition of poverty in this country. Q- How great is the task you foresee ahead of you? A- It is a great task because of the mess that was made by the PPP for the past 23 years and because of the high rate of migration, as you know the Guyanese population is dropping and it is lower in 2015 than it was in 1995 or 2005. A lot of the people who are educated are talented and educated people. A big task will be getting sufficient human resources to help to turn the economy around. I would like to see more engineers and more scientists, but where would they come from? We have got to ask more Guyanese in the Diaspora to lend us their human and financial capital to help us to turn things around, it wouldn’t be easy. The problem would be in the availability of human capital, talented people who would bring their energies and enthusiasm and effort to turning Guyana around. Q- Would your administration be continuing projects such as the CJIA expansion projects and the four lane highway? A- We have committed to examine them. Our problem with the airport was one of priority. Some had to be canceled by the former president himself, like the Specialty Hospital. We can’t continue that because it’s dead, he killed it, we can’t continue the Amaila Hydropower road because Ramotar killed it, we can’t continue the fiber optic cable as it is because it’s dead. We didn’t do these things; the former president is responsible for these spoiled, broken or flawed projects. So I can’t commitment myself to continue something that is not worth continuing. I will have to look at them, and we have priorities of our own, want to see a reliable bridge over the Demerara River, as most of our working people coming to Georgetown over that bridge and if it collapses, Georgetown would grind to a halt. So we want to see better transport infrastructure and building a Marriott Hotel or Specialty hospital is not on our list. We do believe that it will be difficult to fund in such a short

space of time. The former government has been very cunning, by unlawfully removing funds which should be going into what should be the consolidated funds, into various accounts to be spent without the approval of the National Assemble. We will put a lot of emphasis on appointing a Minister of Finance soon so that we can get a budget out hopefully within another 60 days and we expect that by that time we will know where the money is. The whole idea is to bring the money back into the budget so that it could be properly accounted for. Q- There are talks that a lot of documents have been moved from government offices. If you take something that doesn’t belong to you is theft and theft is a crime. I am not witch hunting, but it is unlawful to remove state property without permission and if people remove cars or computers or anything else I’ll send the police t get it back, to ask them question and if they commit crimes they will be dealt with in accordance with the law. It’s not a witch hunt, but a crime is a crime. Q- You have not named your cabinet? A-We are in discussion now, as you know we are a six party member team and i have to consult with my colleagues, so I’m not going to make announcement about individual persons or names. I am going to meet with my shadow cabinet and the committee that was set up for that purpose and make the decision. The earliest priority will be in the area of security and finance and the others will follow. Q-What do you want to leave with the Guyanese people A-I want to leave the promise that Guyana has turned the corner, it will be better governed , it will be inclusionary, we are not in the business of ‘winners take all,’ we are not in the business of locking people out of government, even though the APNUAFC won 51 percent, we cannot conceive locking out 40 percent. I would like a government of all of the people and that is why I would like him to reconsider his position and join us, this is not about a political party any longer, this is about Guyana, our children, that’s my message.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Former world champion ‘Six Head’ Lewis laid to rest

ne week after having his life snatched from him, Guyana’s first World Champion Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis was laid to rest on May 13. The 44-year-old Lewis on May 4, was killed in an

ther, lying in a casket. One of his daughters stated that “I never thought I would see my father like this, in this position.” Lewis’s brother, Troy, said that he will miss his brother, stating that the

Andrew “Six Head” hits James Page with a vicious right hook accident on the East Bank Highway, in the vicinity of Covent Garden. Reports state that the former World Boxing Association (WBA) Welterweight Champion was riding his bicycle, heading to a popular ‘coconut’ spot near his home, when he was struck from behind by a motor car. His casket was placed in the centre of the Burnham Basketball Court at Independence Park (Parade Ground). It was draped in the Golden Arrowhead and on it the WBA welterweight belt. Andrew ‘Six Head’ Lewis made his final ‘hooray’ as hundreds turned out to bid farewell to the man who many will remember for his famous 7th round TKO win over American James Page on February 17, 2001 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. A resident of Albouystown, Lewis was remembered not only for his exploits in the ring, but for his kindness. He was a man who would give his last to someone if he believed that the person needed it more than he did. “You’re always going to be our champion,” many chanted with tears rolling down their cheeks. His children, nine of them to be exact, had to be consoled, as they too could not have held back the tears, after seeing their fa-

two were very close. The former world champion’s sisters all called him their ‘father’. “I don’t know my father, but I know my brother used to take care of me, look out for me and protect me,” one of his sisters cried while pounding on the fallen champion’s casket. Rev. Michael Perreira presided at the funeral and during the eulogy which was read by daughter Omalesa, the former Guyanese and WBA champion’s life was chronicled; it portrayed the life of a man whose true love was boxing as well as his family. ‘Six Head’ Lewis at the time of his climb to the top

was the number one welterweight contender in the WBA rankings and was undefeated in 20 professional fights, knocking out 18 of his opponents. The Albouystown resident, at the time, was hunting an achievement that was set to make him a legend if accomplished. It was realised and so Guyana’s first world boxing champion proved to be “Six Head.” Others who failed in that bid were Terrence Ali, Patrick Ford and Lennox Blackmore. This boy from Albouystown turned ‘Pro’ in 1993, first stepping into the ring against Fitzroy Davidson and eight years later he sat on top of the world, immortalized by Guyanese, home and abroad. Guyana’s last World champion Shondell Alfred was present at the funeral and spoke of how Lewis’s winning a World title inspired her to step into the ring, and she later she emulated his achievement. President of the Guyana Boxing Board of Control (GBBC) Peter Abdool believes that Lewis’ legacy would be unmatched. Abdool said that Guyana lost one of the Caribbean’s and the world’s most technical fighter and that they may never see another ‘Six Head’ Lewis. After the tributes and service were wrapped up

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

at the Burnham Basketball Court, the funeral proceeded to the Le Repentir Cemetery where burial took place. Andrew “Six Head” Lewis-the WBA World Welterweight Champion Andrew Lewis was born on December 11, 1970 in Georgetown, Guyana and had numerous successes as an amateur boxer. He represented Guyana in both local and international competitions. Lewis a southpaw was a destroyer inside the ring, dismantling opponents with power in both hands. He turned pro in 1993 and would go 8-01 in his first nine bouts, all by KOs. All of these bouts

Andrew “Six Head” Lewis celebrates after winning the WBA World Welterweight Championship defeating James Page tournament in Georgetown when he was 7. He recalled, ‘’I knocked the other boy down twice in the first round and two more times in the second round.’’ ‘’When he got up, the referee asked if he wanted to continue. He said: ‘I’m fighting no more. I see six heads in front of me.’ That’s how I got the name Six Head, and the name stuck.’’ Lewis relocated to

Andrew “Six Head” Lewis (R) fighting Antonio Margarito in 2003 were in Guyana and Lewis knew he had to step into the international arena in order to make a name for himself in the sport of boxing. Lewis got his nickname “Six Head” in an amateur

Saying goodbye to the Champ - GBBC officials L-R Andrew Thorne, Trevor Arno, Lt. Colonel Francis Abraham and the president, Peter Abdool.

Brooklyn, NY in 1996 and continued his streak of knockouts, winning his next 12 bouts over the next four years; 11 were by KOs. On a HBO Boxing After Dark doubleheader on February 17, 2001, Lewis met former welterweight champion James Page. Lewis won by TKO after Page was knocked down twice and the referee called a halt to the fight. Lewis became the WBA World Welterweight Champion HBO then had Lewis on the air for the boxing series titled “KO Nation where he won a 12 round unanimous decision over Larry Marks. Lewis then met relatively unknown Nicaraguan challenger Ricardo Mayorga on July 28, 2001 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on a Pay-PerView” card with Roy Jones against Julio Gonzalez. The referee stopped the fight

in the second round after Lewis sustained a bad cut over his eye from a clash of heads. This fight was ruled a no contest. Lewis and Mayorga would meet again nine months later in Reading, PA. It was an exciting fight for the first four rounds during which Lewis opted to slug more with Mayorga, which was more of Mayorga’s fight. In the fifth round, Mayorga landed a hard left hook followed by another left and right that put “Six Head” down on his back. He was able to get up; however he didn’t respond to referee Rudy Battle when he asked if he could continue, and thus the fight was stopped. He rebounded with a first round KO eight months later on November 22, 2002 against Oscar Delgado of Mexico, which put him back in line for another title shot. However he was stopped by WBO Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito in two rounds in February of 2003. Lewis would be out of the ring for 2 1/2 years and returned to his home country of Guyana and had a series of fights with fellow countryman Denny Dalton. Their first encounter in October 2005 ended in a technical draw. In the rematch sixth months later, Lewis was leading on all cards up until the seventh round, when he began to complain of bowel issues in which he needed to go to the bathroom; this fight was stopped. He would avenge the loss a year later in a 12 round decision win. Lewis fought for the last time 2008, losing a 12 round split decision to Howard Eastman. Lewis’s record as a professional stands at 23-4-2 with 20 KO’s.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Granger inspects cleanup effort, restoration of Independence Arch the Square of the Revolution, East of Brickdam and “proceeding into the heart of the city”. He added that the areas being targeted will include the Sussex Street canal which leads directly into the Demerara River, along with several other key drainage outfalls. The desilting is particularly important given that Guyana is in the May/June rainy season. The National Independence Arch located on Brickdam, a gift to Guyana from the then Demerara Bauxite Mining Company

President David Granger looking on at the restoration work being conducted in honour of Guyana’s in- rehabilitated and its sur- and it has become somedependence, will also be roundings improved. Presi- thing of a disgrace. I don’t dent Granger said while think in the Western Hemithe monument signals the sphere anybody would’ve country’s history, and even allowed their Independence its status as an independent Monument to look the way nation, they have been ne- we had it looking.” glected over the years. The It was revealed that president also noted that plans are in place to reconthe national Independence struct the base of the monuMonument is one of the ment and bring it above most important in Guyana. road level. This phase of “It commemorates our In- work is expected to be dependence in 1966 and we completed before Indefelt that the maintenance pendence Day celebrations has been allowed to lapse on May 26. An excavator cleaning a city canal

Flash Back: The commissioning ceremony of the Independence Arch in 1966

resident David Arthur Granger began his week by leading a team to inspect the work underway to desilt the main drainage areas in Georgetown. The project, which is being spearheaded by BK International, Stanley Ming and other contractors, was initiated by the new A

Partnership for National Unity / Alliance of Change (APNU+AFC) Government on May 17. According to APNU+AFC Chief Communications Officer, Imran Khan the project will target the major waterways across the capital city initially, with work commencing at

National Awards are to President Granger seeking to further strengthen be given out this year bilateral ties with immediate neighbours

Order of Excellence resident David party affiliation. Granger has indiThe National Awards cated that National of Guyana are the Order Awards will be returned to of Excellence, Order of Guyana. Speaking to mem- Roraima, Cacique Crown bers of staff at the Office of Honour, Golden Arrow of the President, President of Achievement, Medal of Granger stated that every Service, Cacique Crown year, National Awards are of Valor, Golden Arrow of to be presented without Courage, and President’s fear. Commendation for Brave “Even if it’s one award, Conduct, Military Service two awards, twenty, that is Star and the Disciplined one of the institutions of Services Star. our country,” he said durThe last National ing a meeting with the staff. Awards were given out in The President added October 201. Over 100 perthat members of the Na- sons then were conferred tional Assembly and the with awards in recognition Judiciary must be treated of yeoman service to nawith respect regardless of tional development.

igh on the agenda of His Excellency David Granger and his soon-to-be-sworn in administration will be to accelerate infrastructural and economic developments with CARICOM and Guyana’s other immediate neighbours. During his first official day in Office as Guyana’s 8th Executive President, Brigadier Rtd. Granger

held brief meetings with the CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin La Rocque. According to President Granger, his meeting with Mr. La Rocque was a deliberate decision he made, as he noted the importance of meeting with Guyana’s most important neighbors. “It was a deliberate decision of mine that we should meet with our most important neighbours first

Guyana’s 8th Executive President, His Excellency, David Granger and Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Lineu Pupo de Paula and CARICOM is at the

His Excellency David Granger during his meeting with CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, and Minister of Foreign Affairs- Designate Carl Greenidge, during a meeting which was held at the Office of the President

heart of the economic development of Guyana and in terms of not only courtesy, but also in terms of policy (and) I felt it was my duty to meet with our Caribbean neighbour first.” The Head-of-State, at the Office of the President, also met with the Brazil’s Ambassador to Guyana, His Excellency, Mr. Lineu Pupo de Paula and Venezuela’s Ambassador to Guyana, Her Excellency Reina Margarita Arratia Diaz.

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Issue No: 17

May 22, 2015

Guyana Postcard The newly sworn-in President David A. Granger and Prime Minister-elect Moses Nagamootoo acknowledge the thousands of Guyanese who came to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 8th President at Parliament Building.