The Guyanese Newspaper 18th Edition - June 5, 2015 by DPI | Department of Public Information

FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION

Issue No: 18

June 5, 2015

Guyana’s 8th Executive President Inaugurated

INSIDE President Granger reaffirms commitment towards inclusionary governance in order to achieve national unity - at inauguration ceremony

Page 2

Workers are true pioneers of Guyana’s Independence says President Granger - as the nation pays homage to Independence heroes

Page 5

“We are one team’ -President Granger as Cabinet members are sworn in

Page 7

On May 26, David Arthur Granger was inaugurated as the 8th Executive President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This event was witnessed by thousands of attendees at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, and by many thousands more through coverage on the state television.

ExxonMobil announces ‘significant’ oil discovery offshore Guyana - President Granger visits drill ship

Page 14

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President Granger reaffirms commitment towards inclusionary governance in order to achieve national unity - at inauguration ceremony

s Guyanese celebrated their country's 49th Independence Anniversary on May 26, they also witnessed a historic event, amid pomp and ceremony. This was the inauguration of the country’s 8th Executive President, His Excellency, David Granger, at the Guyana National Stadium at Providence. In his inauguration speech, the Head of State told the packed stadium of his and his party’s determination to continue the task of working towards achieving national unity, and towards making Guyana one nation. “I work, not by myself but with the largest coalition of political allies that have ever been established in this Republic. 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. We won the support of the majority of people. We can now better work together in an inclusionary manner towards a common destiny,” he said.

His Excellency David Granger, inspecting the Guard of Honour at his inauguration ceremony which was held at the Guyana National Stadium The president noted that the results of the last two elections have made it clear that the majority of the Guyanese people yearn for this, a government of national unity. People, increasingly, are abandoning the “winner-takes-all” approach to governance and adopting the collective path to building ‘One Nation,’ ” he said.’ Going forward, he

counselled that Guyanese must now look to the future and not put its’ efforts and energies towards destroying one another but towards defeating the real enemies of the country. He describes these four enemies as the ‘four horsemen of the Guyanese Apocalypse,’ and lists them as being corruption, crime, disease, ignorance and poverty. He reaffirmed A Part-

nership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) government indeed, is more determined than ever to refashion soci-

the enhancement of local, municipal and parliamentary democracy; the enlargement of multi-ethnic space; the elimination of ethnic

gether resume our work, both through the legislative process in the National Assembly and in the country at large, to engage the major sections of society, including other political parties; trade unions; private sector and civil society, to realise our common quest for consensus on a national programme to move the country forward. We shall continue to work to harness the talents of a broader constituency, to foster the conditions for social cohesion, to deepen the democratic process and to develop the economy,” he promised. The President said that this Independence Day, signifies an opportunity for a new start, and that the APNU+AFC government has assembled a cabinet of men and women who have the enthusiasm, expertise and experience to not only repair the damage which has been wrought over the past two decades but to ensure this new start for the

His Excellency David Granger as he delivered his inauguration speech to a packed Guyana National Stadium.

His Excellency David Granger, First Lady Sandra Granger, their daughter and granddaughter along with Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and his wife, Mrs. Sita Nagamootoo enjoying the fireworks display at the Guyana National Stadium.

ety. “We honour the people who want greater inclusion, not exclusion. They want consultation and cooperation between the legislative and executive branches of government, not confrontation.” He noted that national unity will bring national benefits including the elimination of one-party domination of the government;

insecurity; the expansion of economic enterprise; the enrichment of cultural life and the deepening of national consciousness. He pledged that the new government will infuse the spirit of ‘inclusionary democracy’ into every municipality, every neighbourhood, every region and into the National Assembly. “We shall to-

country. “We came together as a team because we know the dangers of division... let us rejoice in this opportunity to celebrate this democratic renewal. Let us put our rivalries behind us and let us work to making this big beautiful, bountiful land into the best place to live in the western hemisphere,” he said.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President David Granger inaugurated in the presence of record braking crowd

Cabinet Members during the formal inauguration ceremony for President David Granger raving the heavy ceremony, a bit of rain, began with the Guard of rainfall, thou- but overall an outpouring Honour making their way sands of Guyanese of emotion in the face of into the Guyana National flocked the Guyana Na- the atmosphere of patriot- Stadium to a loud applause tional Stadium on May 26 ism and decorum, that was from the crowd and as they to witness the Inauguration created, as befitting the came to a halt after their paceremony of Guyana 8th proverbial “Changing of rade, and it was time for the Executive President, His the Guard” in the halls of arrival of the Prime Minis-

Youths doing a cultural display during the formal inauguration ceremony for President David Granger Excellency Brigadier (Rtd.) executive power. ter, Moses Nagamootoo. As David Arthur Granger. The crowd and media his convoy drove onto the The stadium was filled audience were treated to a grass lawns of the National to capacity some two hours two-hour rich cultural ex- Stadium, there were roars before the official start of travaganza, showcasing from the crowd. the programme, and thou- the talents of the GuyaIn similar fashion, sands more were unable nese singers including the Granger arrived to a thunto attend, due to the heavy GT&T Jingle and Song derous roar from the crowd, traffic which was backed up Competition in 2013, Ryan just after 5 pm. As he exon the East Bank Highway. Hoppie, who took to the ited, the President waved There were pomp, gran- stage performing “Love to the crowd and made his deur, precision, military and Unit and Reigning way to greet his Ministers fanfare, more than 500 Chutney King Roger Hinds of Government who lined dancing youths, and an an- with his tune “Searching the field. Soon after, the nouncement of the long- for a Larkhi.” President inspected the suspended National Award The formal session Guard of Honour and took

A section of the crowd at the formal inauguration ceremony for President David Granger at the National Stadium, Providence his seat to loud cheers from ing the symbolic Presiden- tion, crime and poverty and those gathered. tial Key, which meant that “not each other.” Following a universal he was inaugurated as the Finally, as the curtains prayer by Bishops’ High President of the Coopera- were pulled on the InauguSchool student Masud tive Republic of Guyana. ration Day celebrations, the Lewis and a performance President Granger deliv- skies were lit up by an exby the Woodside and Joint ered his address, one in cellent display of fireworks Schools' Choir, about 500 which he called for a com- by the Guyana Defence youths under the auspices ing together to fight corrup- Force. of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport showcased their dance and cultural skills in a presentation set to various popular songs. Addressing the audience during the preliminary speeches was Sir Shridath Ramphal, who recalled being present 49 years ago at the Independence Inauguration ceremony on May 26, 1966. Delivering blessings on behalf of the nation’s First Peoples was Minister within the Ministry of Communities Dawn Hastings. The President then received the blessings of the nation’s Fireworks at the National Stadium First Peoples, and obtain-

Members of the Disciplined Forces marching

Sir Shridath calls on Guyana to arise as a model of good governance

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

A proud Moment: President David Granger’s Inauguration is a moment of celebration and reflection

n May 26, President David Granger was inaugurated before thousands of Guyanese, who braved the rains, and travelled from across the length and breadth of Guyana to witness the significant event. For those who made it into the packed Guyana National Stadium, and witnessed President Granger’s Inauguration, it was a moment for reflection, celebration and restoration of confidence in country’s latest step towards further uniting. Mrs. Smith

Sir Shridath Ramphal speaking at the inauguration of President David Granger

ir Shridath Ramphal, former Guyana Government Minister and Secretary General of the Commonwealth said this is a time for healing in Guyana. Addressing Guyanese at the Inauguration ceremony for Guyana’s eighth president, His Excellency David Granger, on May 26, at the Guyana National Stadium, he noted that it must not be the beginning of a new government, but the beginning of a new nation, as it was 49 years ago, when the country gained its Independence from Great Britain. “We were one people then and have been ever since-save in our politics through which we deceive ourselves into believing that our motto of ‘one people’ is false, It is not false; and we must not let the vicissitudes of politics and the discord inherent in the democratic process diminish our oneness,” he said. In the moment of transition like is currently taking place in Guyana, Sir Shridath said, “it is the duty of all to work hard at destroying the myth of otherness and at cultivating by conscious effort, the reality of oneness that is our historical birthright.” “Guyana is on the cusp of a great future,” he pointed out, noting that “El Dorado may have been a City of the mind; but our country of one people is poised

for greatness.” “The quality of our human resources matches the richness of our natural resources and in their fusion is our future.” He however noted that there are great challenges ahead; both internal and external, and this is why, “national unity’ must not be an empty slogan but a living credo -an ethic of governance.” “I congratulate the coalition of parties that have taken a courageous first step in this direction, and I praise our people who have answered the question: ‘do you want us together, or apart?’ in a definitive way.” Sir Shridath pointed out that ‘national unity’, however must, not the end of the journey but the beginning of a journey that never ends. “And our aspirations must not end nationally,” he said, adding, “We are part of a larger family of the Caribbean Community which we had a major hand in bringing to creation and to which all within the community need to be vibrant and faithful in fulfillment of its integration goals. “ He however lamented the fact that Guyana cannot be a model of good governance at home if it does not acknowledge that vibrant Caribbean homeland and give leadership in occupying it together. He believes that all that is needed for national unity

is within the compass of the vision that marks this time of transition. “Guyana’s eighth Executive President, His Excellency Brigadier David Arthur Granger MSS, whose inauguration as president we are gathered to witness and acclaim, has already in these earliest days of his presidency brought a touch of healing and its concomitant quest for unity to our country,” he said. Hence he noted that it is each citizen’s solemn duty to support the new administration towards fulfillment of the trust the people of Guyana has reposed in him and his coalition colleagues. “May divine blessing hound these efforts and bring forth Guyana’s renewal through the efforts and cohesion of its people, the past is not impossible, indeed it is within our grasp particularly in the grasp of our young people who want to build a future that looks forward and not backward to the past.” The task is not impossible; indeed, it is within our grasp, “particularly the grasp of our young people, who want to build a future, not look backwards to the past,” he counseled. “Let this nation now run swiftly the race that is set before it. Let Guyana arise as a model of good governance in a framework of tolerance, respect and shared ambition,” he finished.

I am feeling happy today; thank God I am alive to see this day, after so many years, 49 years, for the longest while we haven’t had anything like this! And this is a tremendous day that the Lord has made and I want to say to my fellow Guyanese, to keep the peace, keep the love. We have our own flag, I am a proud Guyanese, we have our own song, our own national symbol, today and I want to thank God for this day and this must not be the end of, this independence. We must continue it every year once God spares our life to see Independence and we must keep the unity. Ms. Malone

This is history in Guyana right now. I feeling so happy and we thank god for such a beautiful day,

this is a new Guyana, a new government, a new management…I love it and I hope this continues, the entire stadium is packed to capacity, persons came down since morning from Berbice all the way from linden I saw the traffic while I was on the road so I went home get dressed early so I leave home at 11:00 just to get here on time and when I got here I barely got a seat…This reminds me about watching America independence, you know it got its lovely parade in the streets and the place is so pack, this is so beautiful Guyana, and we could see all the colors of the national flag all over the stadium it is so beautiful… it is a brand new Guyana, new government, we expect to see so much more from the government, ah see promises so we looking forward to all of that right now

gether and as one and I always believed that Guyana need something like this, we need people to come together, forget about this black, about this race thing, forget about it completely because in my days I never know about this here I grow up in a predominant Indian area, Cane grove on the East Coast I grew up in that area I never know about this here is now I hearing bout coolie man and black man and these kind of things I never know about these things I grow up between Indian people, the man that give me, he was an Indian, my father and him, this guy was best friends they use to cut cane together. Ms. Claudine Hope

Mr. Ceasar

This is something I had always wanted, and I must count myself as a senior citizen in this country because I am 57 years old of age. I can remember vividly when we had the first Independence in 1966, I was a boy about 8yrs old and I was there, I was there with my aunt, and I had a very, very, very good experience of it and I have grown through with this thing, now I never see this, this what I am seeing here what I’m experiencing here, I never see this before in Guyana, never! I feel real proud because you know why I live in this country but I don’t work in this country for the last 24yrs I worked out of this country and I make certain that I leave my job to come to this special celebration….I’ve never seen this before, I’ve never seen so much party come together, so much people come to-

It wonderful, it’s overwhelming, words cannot explain how we, as Guyanese feel about this wonderful historical occasion…we have made history, we have won as a people, we have found our identity once again and we are happy to be here, you know whether it is rain or whether it is sun, we are proud to be here. I hail from Mocha, but I am all the way on the East Coast and distance is nothing for us to be here. We all Guyanese are more than happy for this to become a tradition among us, not only for this Inauguration but for every time all times… there are so many things in Guyana that need fixing and we as a people can do it independently, as one, if we should just come together, unite and focus on the important things of life we can do it… we need the unity and where there is unity there is strength, so we need to unite in whatever is positive, in a positive way, we need to unite as one, there should be no segregation. One word ‘unite.’

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Workers are true pioneers of Guyana’s Independence says President Granger - as the nation pays homage to Independence heroes ence, since it was they who rebelled against the Britishimposed colonialism….Today, we pay homage to the workers for their sacrifice.” He made mention of the 29 workers who were killed and 115 who were injured during the labour rebellion of the 1930s and also acknowledged the legislators of the time for their

all Guyanese were allowed to exercise on May 11, in the General and Regional election. “It is the Waddington Commission also which put us on the path to internal self governance, and finally Independence. Today we pay homage to our legislators for their leadership.” In addition, the Presi-

the future. “Let us sacrifice for those who struggled and died, inspired us today, and guide generations to come tomorrow and beyond. Independence meant change, change from colony to nation, change from subject to citizen change from subjugation to liberation change from discrimination to lives of dignity and equality.”

His Excellency, David Granger laying the first wreath at the newly refurbished Independence Arch at the wreath laying ceremony in observance of Guyana's 49th Independence Anniversary.

uyanese, in their thousands, braved the early morning showers and congregated at every possible vantage point to witness as eight floral tributes were ceremoniously laid by President David Granger and other dignitaries at the Independence Arch on Brickdam on May 26 in memory of those who fought for the

one-week ago. It was one that for the first time in recent memory was being observed at a monument (the Independence Arch), gifted to the people of Guyana by the Demerara Bauxite Company in 1966. “Today celebrates the Independence gained on the 26th May 1966 after 350 years of Dutch and British colonisation. We are

Now being the heirs to what has been accomplished, the President expressed his believe that all Guyanese have a duty to actualise the vision of the nation’s founding fathers that fought to create the new state. “We had a duty to continue the work they started to transform a united colony to a united nation,” he said.

His Excellency, David Granger and Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and other senior members of the Disciplined Forces during the Presidential Salute at the wreath laying ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary. contributions to the cumulative effort that eventually secured freedom for all Guyanese. The President said that it was Theophilous Lee, the first President of the British Guiana Trade Union Council, a Chinese Guyanese and a member of the Legislative Council who moved a motion there that led to the establishment of the Waddington Commission. This commission, he said, in turn led to the introduction of Universal Adult franchise, and also this is the same franchise which

dent said that the suffrage of the ordinary citizen must not be forgotten as they bore the brunt of the disturbances of 1964 as the government of the day employed every devious device to delay election under the proportional representation system. Noting that Guyana has indeed come a far way, President Granger said this is the very system that installed his new government. Going forward the President called on all citizens not to dwell on the pains of the past, but look with faith to

In wishing the Guyanese nation happy Independence the President closed his speech with a quote saying, “Independence is a means to an end, the end must be to the changing of our society and the revolutionising of the economy, change indeed in never ending. Let us resolve therefore to work together to change our society into one of greater equality, let us strive to change our economy into one of greater prosperity, let us change our country to a nation of love, a nation of unity.”

His Excellency, David Granger and Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo, witnessing the hoisting of the Golden Arrowhead at the wreath laying ceremony in observance of Guyana’s 49th Independence Anniversary. country’s independence’s in 1996. The occasion was of course the country’s 49th flag raising and remembrance ceremony and President David Granger’s first official one, since being sworn in as President, just

assembled at this national monument in solemn remembrance of the lives and the labours of our heroes,” the Head State said, immediately paying homage to those who agitated for decades to achieve national Independence, for Guyana.

The President also rightly pointed out that Guyana’s Independence Day is, in fact, a day of thanksgiving.” “We give thanks for the gift of Independence,” he declared adding, “Workers were the true pioneers of Independ-

President David Granger during his address to the nation on the 49th Independence Anniversary observance at the Independence Arch, Brickdam

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

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

We can do it!

olitical coalitions are always challenging and complex associations to cobble together, because they are an amalgam of personalities of diverse backgrounds. Although they may share the common goal of challenging whatever incumbent government is in office, they do have competing interests, for such is the natural order of things in any such political dynamic. However, suffice it to say that such would have been the natural status quo as far as the alliance between the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) and the Alliance for Change (AFC) parties is concerned, there is no doubt that all other interests were subordinated to the higher ideal of national unity as both sides worked towards the Cummingsburg Accord. All should be aware, that this alliance, as individual political parties, had been continuously consistent in their calls for national unity, since their respective formation. This plea resonated with the electorate, resulting in a historic victory at the just concluded May 11, National and Regional Elections. It is true that this alliance received a very narrow majority win; yet, it is very significant, given the fact that not since 1953, has there been a singular political movement that sought to contest an election, on a na-

tionalist platform. This signals, a definite beginning of a realization that the time has once again been made opportune, for a new political culture, where all Guyanese should fell included. In fact, this has been one of President Granger’s enduring themes, particularly in two of his three addresses made, thus far. At his post-swear-in address, he emphasised: “Inclusionary democracy is the best way to overcome our divisions”; “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.”; while at his inaugural address, he referenced that: “We went into the general elections as a grand coalition comprising six peoples – we won the support of the majority; we can now better work together in an inclusionary manner towards a common destiny.” The new dispensation has ushered in a euphoria of great expectations in terms of a new Guyana being created, one in which all Guyanese, irrespective of ethnicity and political affiliation, have been asked by President David Granger, to play their individual role in the journey to a unified people and country. Even the now political opposition of the Peoples Progres-

sive Party/Civic(PPP/C), has been invited to be a part of the intended process of inclusiveness that the new President and government has signalled as a major plank of governance in the new Guyana, envisaged. Undeniably, the May 11 results do reveal, yet again, a division of our country; however, notwithstanding this, there is an unmistakable air that is pervasive, a great feeling, that a new beginning has already started, and this has been manifested by the thousands that represented all shades of our peoples that thronged around Parliament Building to witness the swearing in of President Granger; the thousands that braved the early morning showers, as they proudly watched the new President pay homage at the newly refurbished Independence Arch, and later in the day, an over- capacity crowd at the National Stadium that witnessed the inaugural ceremony for him and government. The latter gathering especially, in their thousands, despite the heavy showers, was emotionally moving, for it depicted a representation of our peoples as the Guyanese nation ought to be. In fact, at this joyful, but historical, gathering, we were timely reminded by the eminently, renowned Guyanese and international statesman, Sir Shridath Ramphal: “We must not let

Letter to the Editor City clean- up – a new found spirit of love for country Dear Editor, The clean-up exercise that has taken over the city, by storm, is amazing for the total willingness exemplified by the various communities as portrayed by their residents. It is a beautiful experience that was influenced primarily by the swearing in of Guyana’s eight Executive President, David Granger, more so his initiative of restoring the Independence Arch on Brickdam. In all my years as a City resident, I have not seen this spirit that is clearly nationalistic, where my fellow citizens have decided, even though by cue, that their city and environs must finally be rid of the garbage and other unsightly debris. Even private sector staffs are part of this endeavour, as they take the responsibility for sanitizing their immediate workplace suroundings. And no one is grumbling, or complaining that it is not their job to do such a task.

Everyone is contributing their labour towards an exercise, that is synonymous with that unmistakable new found feeling and born again belief, that they are every bit as part of the solution to whatever challenges their country face; and that working together such can be overcome. Like so many City residents, I had become resigned to the sad reality that Georgetown will continue its sojourn in the garbage abyss, since it had become a culture for many residents to discard refuse, without due care and regard for the environment. I am of the belief, that finally, there is a convicted realization on the general citizenry, particularly those who have been guilty of such a hazardous practice, that cleanliness is paramount, and is a daily endeavour, not to be undertaken because of garbage piles. Matthew Haley

No way to treat a dedicated, regional cricketing icon Dear Editor, Realistically, any true sporting fan would know that all athletes, even the great ones, have a performance life span which has to come to an end. And so it is with the game of cricket, in which every batsman and bowler will begin to reflect the signs of calling it a day. It is natural, as the day follows the night. We should accept that reality with that great servant of West Indies cricket, the indomitable Shivnarine Chanderpaul, branded ‘Tiger’, by his team mates. However, what should not be accepted is the manner in which he has been jettisoned from the West Indies cricket team – no doubt, occasioning the unanimous feeling of anger from the region. It is absolutely shameful, a charitable description, for such a shabby treatment meted out to a player, whose sheer deterthe vicissitudes of politics, and the discord inherent in the democratic process diminish our oneness.” He further implored that at this time of transition that “it is the duty of all to work hard at destroying the myth of “otherness” and cultivating by conscious effort a reality of ones, which is Guyana’s natural birthright”. There is no doubt, that President Granger’s addresses have set the tone for a nation, bruised by the painful stripes of race and division, to begin the healing process, an observation

mination and application to his batting, served to remind those who have been scoffing at our cricket – that there is still a West Indies cricket team! Surely, this great cricketing son of the region deserves no less a send -off, similar to that given to India’s icon, Sachin Tendulkar. It would have been a most gratifying moment for Shiv, to leave the Caribbean cricketing arena with the fullsome applause of fans who have cheered his every arrival, at the wicket, for the last twenty years. It is time that this culture of ingratitude to well deserving regional cricketers ceases. For too long have some of our great players, unceremoniously dumped from the regional side. This is no way to treat our cricketing heroes, inclusive of Chanderpaul. Kuldip Singh

made by the great Sir Shridath when he said in his address to the thousands at the Stadium that “The earliest days of President Granger’s Presidency have brought a path of healing and its concomitant quest of unity to Guyana.” It is for our people, all of our people, who believe in their country and its future, to give this healing process the momentum, by reaching out to their fellow Guyanese, irrespective of race and class. For this is

the message that will further the great cause of unity, which for so long has eluded our grasp. In doing so, we will be giving tangible support to the new government, underlining the trust that has been reposed in its collective whole. Let us take this renewed hope and confidence in ourselves as Guyanese, and in our great country, to a level of which we all can be proud. But we can only succeed when we all cooperate for Guyana.

Email letters to: ginagovgy@gmail.com

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

“We are one team’-President Granger as Cabinet members are sworn in

he twenty-six (26) newest members of the APNU/AFC Administration were sworn in at the Office of the President, now the Ministry of the Presidency. This was done by President David Arthur Granger, who reminded his new ministers in the government that they are all part of one team, committed to developing a more united Guyana. The sworn-in members of the APNU+AFC Cabinet are: 1. Prime Minister (PM) and First Vice-President Moses Veersammy Nagamootoo 2. Minister of StateJoseph Harmon 3. Minister of Fi-

nance-Winston Jordan 4. Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs-Basil Williams 5. Minister of Foreign Affairs-Carl Greenidge 6. Minister of Public Health (former Ministry of Health)- Dr. George Norton 7. Minister within the Ministry of Public Health- Dr. Karen Cummings 8. Minister of Education-Dr. Rupert Roopnarine. The former Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport will also be part of Roopnarine’s portfolio. 9. Minister within the Ministry of EducationNicolette Odella Henry 10. Minister of Tour-

ism-Catherine Hughes 11. Minister of Social Protection (formerly Ministry of Human Service and Social Security)- Volda Lawrence 12. Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection- Simona Broomes 13. Minister of Public Infrastructure (formerly Ministry of Public Works)David Patterson 14. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure-Annette Ferguson 15. Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure- Keith Scott 16. Minister of Communities (formerly Minister of Local Government and Regional Develop-

President Granger swears in Prime Minister Moses V. Nagamootoo ment), Ronald Bulkan. The the Ministry of Communi- ident and Minister of Naformer Ministry of Hous- ties-Dawn Hastings tional Security (Ministry ing and Water will also be 18. Minister of Social of Home Affairs)- Khemraj part of Bulkan’s portfolio. Cohesion-Amna Ally. Ramjattan 17. Minister within 19. Second Vice Pres20. Minister of Agriculture-Noel Holder 21. Minister of Business and Investment-Dominic Gaskin 22. Minister of Indigenous People-Sydney Allicock 23. Minister within the Ministry of Indigenous People-Valerie Garrido - Lowe 24. Minister of Governance-Raphael Trotman 25. Minister within the Ministry of FinanceJaipaul Sharma 26. Minister of Citizenship-Winston Felix.

President Granger with the members of his newly sworn-in Cabinet

In congratulating the members of the Cabinet, President Granger called on his ministers to help the new government to “effectively execute its mandate to improve the lives of Guyanese,” adding that, “much work lies ahead”. The president emphasised that “We are committed to having a Cabinet which is committed to national unity; we’re committed to having a Cabinet which is committed to efficiency and transparency. I feel proud to have behind me a group of men and women who are going to transform Guyana and see that we have a good life for all Guyanese.” Only fifteen of the ministers sworn in will serve in the Cabinet.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

The faces of the APNU+AFC Cabinet

here are fifteen members in the Cabinet of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government lead by President David A. Granger. The following are some of their profiles: His Excellency, The President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, David Arthur Granger, MSM, MSS

David Granger’s life is grounded in traditional Guyanese values. He was born into a large family with strong roots in the public service and grew up in the three counties: Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara. He was educated at Queen’s College and graduated from the University of Guyana, where he received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. He also attended the University of the West Indies, the University of Maryland and the National Defence University in the USA. David Granger’s years of military service are based on his belief in Guyana’s independence and territorial integrity. He received his military training at the Mons Officer Cadet School and the School of Infantry in the United Kingdom, the Jungle Warfare Instruction Centre in Brazil, and the Army Command and Staff College in Nigeria. After serving as Commander of the Guyana Defence Force and National Security Adviser to the President, he retired with the rank of Brigadier. Brigadier Granger made a significant contribution to national defence and public security as a member of several defence and security agencies. These include holding the Chairmanship of the Central Intelligence Committee, Co-chairmanship of the Border and National Security Committee and Membership of the Guyana Defence Board, National Drug Law Enforcement Committee and the Disciplined Forces Commission. He served in several public organisations and was elected to the Presidencies of the History

Society, Guyana Heritage Society, University of Guyana Guild of Graduates and the Guyana Chess Federation. He is also a former member of the University of Guyana Council and the Guyana Press Association. At present, he is chairman of the Guyana Book Foundation and a member of the Guyana Legion and the Board of Trustees of the Guyana Veterans Foundation. Brigadier Granger has written extensively on national defence and public security issues. He received various academic awards which include the President’s Medal. His military awards include the Military Service Star for distinguished service. Brigadier (ret’d) David Arthur Granger is married to Sandra Chan-A-Sue Granger; the Grangers have two daughters, Han and Afuwa. David Arthur Granger, born July 15, 1945, remains a stoic Guyanese politician. He was Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly of Guyana from 2012 to 2015. He stood as the Opposition Presidential Candidate in the November 2011 General Election, but was defeated. He was elected as President in the May 11, 2015 General election, and stands on the precipice of doing what no other leader did; that is create a truly unified Guyana, where lines and boundaries of ethnicity are totally subsumed and consumed in a nationalistic manner. Moses Verasammy Nagamootoo, Prime Minister & First Vice-President

Mr Moses Veerasammy Nagamootoo was born on November 30, 1947 at Whim Village, Corentyne, Berbice, to parents Gangama and Nagamootoo Ramaswamy. He is married to Sita Nagamootoo and has four children: Angela Vashmini, Sita Maria, Adela Gangama and Moses Ernesto. He was educated at Auchlyne Scots School, Rose Hall, and Comprehensive High School, and

also at the University of Guyana, where he read Law. Subsequently, he completed the Certificate of Legal Education at the Hugh Wooding Law School. He also pursued courses at the Accabre College of Social Sciences and the Venezuelan Spanish Language Institute and is a Fellowship of Allen White School of Journalism, University of Kansas Mr. Nagamootoo, commenced his political life at age 14, in 1961, during the struggle for Guyana’s independence. In October 1964, he became a Member of the Progressive Youth Organisation (PYO) and People’s Progressive Party (PPP). In 1966, he founded the National Union of Students. .From 1976-2011, he was a Member of the PPP Central Committee, and from 1978-2005, a Member of PPP Executive Committee. In 2011, Mr Nagamootoo became the Vice-Chairman of the Alliance For Change (AFC). From 1992 to 2011, he served as a Member of Parliament. Mr Nagamootoo was a Member of Cabinet under four Presidents (Cheddi and Janet Jagan, Samuel Hinds and Bharrat Jagdeo) during the period 1992-2001. Other portfolios include Senior Minister of Information and Senior Minister of Local Government & Regional Development with responsibility for Information & Amerindian Affairs. Member of Select Committee on Constitutional Reform, Chairman of Oversight Committee of the Select Committee on Constitutional Reform, Member, Foreign Relations and Standing Orders Committees, Council Member, University of Guyana, Director, Guyana Airways Corporation (1994-1998), Executive Member, Guyana Bar Association (2005-2006),Teacher (1964-70), Journalist (1971-92). He was General Secretary of the Union of Guyanese Journalists-UGJ (1970-1992), Founder Member and Executive Member of Caribbean Association of Media Workers- CAMWORK (1986-1992, Executive Member of Federation of Latin American Journalists-FELAP, and Vice-President of International Organisation of Journalists-IOJ (1990-1996). He is the author of several works including Hendree’s Cure, (2001 Nominee Guyana Literature Prize for First Novel,)Book, Fragments from Memory (2015)-Poetry, Editor Anthology of Revolutionary Poems: “For the Fighting Front”.

He has alos won several awards including the PPP’s Certificate for Meritorious Service-1990, Guyana, IOJ Scroll of Honour as Outstanding Journalist-1996, Vietnam, GOPIO Community Service Award- 2008, India Mr. Joseph Harmon, Minister of State

In his early days, Mr. Harmon was a member of the Young Socialist Movement (YSM), the youth arm of the PNC, and at one time he was the Chairman of the Pouderoyen YSM group. He later became a Member of the Regional Executive of the movement. During his army days, Mr. Harmon ‘eased up’ in his involvement in politics, but by 2010, he resumed ‘full scale politics and was the Returning Officer for the elections at the Party’s Biennial Congresses. Mr. Harmon is married with six children. Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine, Minister of Education

Mr. Joseph Harmon. was born and raised in the West Demerara village of Pouderoyen and completed his schooling on the West Demerara before qualifying to do his ‘A‘ Levels at Queen‘s College. However, because of his circumstances he was unable to take up the opportunity and instead was forced to find employment. He worked for about a year in the Geddes Grant motor sales department before enlisting for the Officer Cadet course in the Guyana Defence Force, where he rose from the rank of Second Lieutenant following his graduation, to Lieutenant Colonel at the time of his retirement. He applied for early retirement from the army as he wanted to do something else. During his years in the army, Mr Harmon took advantage of all the training it provided, including travelling widely in and out of Guyana and in his later years he also made use of the opportunity afforded to officers to further their studies while still serving. He completed his law degree at Cave Hill in Barbados before attending the Hugh Wooding Law School in Trinidad. On completion of his law studies he served for some time in the army’s legal services department, where he was the Commanding Officer and where he did some prosecution work. After twenty-three years in the Guyana Defence Force and another 15 years as a lawyer in private practice, Mr. Harmon remained an active politician and was a new face in the Tenth Sitting of the National Assembly, serving as APNU’s Shadow Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure.

Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine born on January 31, 1943 in Kitty, Georgetown is the father of Dr. Terry Roopnaraine and Alicia Roopnaraine. He is a world class professor and instructor of liberal arts who has lectured at some of the most prestigious universities and learning institutions around the world. He is no stranger to Guyana’s politics and the struggles of the working class people of this country. He has been in the front line of the national political movement since 1977 as one of the elite leaders of the Working People’s Alliance (WPA). He served as a Member of the Faculty of the University of Guyana from 1976 to 1990 and as a Member of Parliament for a number of years. He brought to the leadership of A Partnership for National Unity (A.P.N.U) his vast political experience and the WPA’s unwavering commitment to the building of a Guyana of social justice and racial harmony. He was educated at Queen’s College (Guyana), Cambridge University (UK), and Cornell University (New York, USA), and holds a Doctorate in Comparative Literature. Dr. Roopnaraine was part of APNU’s Shadow Cabinet in the Tenth Parliament, holding the portfolio of Agriculcontinued on page 9

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

The faces of the APNU+AFC... ture and Environment. As Minister of Education, he is well equipped with expertise, experience and education to significantly impact his assigned sector in Guyana. Mr. Basil Williams, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs

Mr. Basil Williams was privileged to begin his Public Service career as a young lawyer and as one of the Legal Advisors of the late Founder Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC). Later, he was to become Legal Assistant to then President Hoyte, from 1985-1988. While in the Office of the President, he became intimately familiar with the politics of the PNC and the machinery of the Party. He did go on to become a Vice-Chairman of the Party and a member of the Central Executive Committee. Mr. Williams is also Chairman of the Legal Affairs Committee of the Party and was a member of the Joint Task Force on Local Government Reform. Mr. Williams holds an LLB (Hons.) Degree from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus and a Legal Education Certificate from the Hugh Wooding Law School, Trinidad and Tobago. He has served in different capacities in the public domain, including representing Guyana at the 6th Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in 1985; City Councillor from 19861988 and Secretary of the Review Committee of the Companies Act, 1986-1988. Mr. Williams entered Parliament in 2003 and served in the Tenth Parliament of Guyana as APNU’s Shadow Minister of Legal Affairs and Justice. Dr. George Norton, Minister of Public Health Dr. George Norton is an Ophthalmologist by profession. He was educated in the Republic of Cuba, where he graduated with a Degree in Medicine from the Su-

perior Institute of Medical Science in 1984 and specialised in Ophthalmology in 1988. Dr. Norton is a Consulting Ophthalmologist and Head of the Department of Ophthalmology, University of Guyana. Dr. Norton was one of the Vice Chairpersons of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and a member of the Central Executive Committee. He was also the Party Director of Hinterland Affairs. He takes a special interest in sports, youth and culture, and is strong in advocating the Rights of the Indigenous Peoples. Dr. Norton entered Parliament in 2001 and has been a vibrant representative of Amerindian communities throughout Guyana. He served in the Tenth Parliament of Guyana as APNU’s Shadow Minister of Public Health and Disease Control. Mr. Carl Barrington Greenidge, Minister of Foreign Affairs

has worked on public sector economics and agricultural policies, as well as international trade and finance. He has provided distinguished service to his country, the Caribbean and the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States. That service has been in the design and management of Guyana’s Economic Recovery Programme (1988-1992) and the negotiation of the unique north-south cooperation compact, the Lomé Convention, inter alia. This latter pact was aimed at alleviating the burden of poverty in the ACP regions which include the most trade dependent countries in the world and countries for which agriculture is dominant. He has successfully headed two joint ACP-EU funded institutions devoted to development and cooperation, and has, in the process, sat on both ‘sides’ of the Donor-Recipient interface. Mr. Greenidge has also published four monographs, numerous academic articles on economics, and contributed to books on a variety of issues, including the political economy of agricultural modernisation, international agricultural trade negotiations and marine fisheries. He has been Co-President of the Joint Council of Ministers of the European Union and the ACP States. Mr. Carl Greenidge is a member of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) and served in the Tenth Parliament of Guyana as APNU’s Shadow Minister of Finance and International Economic Co-operation. Ms.Volda Lawrence, Minister of Social Protection

Mr. Carl Barrington Greenidge was born in New Amsterdam, Berbice and attended New Amsterdam Congregational School, first spending a few months at the Malteenoes Branch of Tutorial. He then attended Berbice High School, until he left for the United Kingdom to further his education. Mr.Greenidge is a former Minister of Finance, Planning and Trade of Guyana. He has extensive experience at the policy, management and technical levels, and

Ms Volda Lawrence is an accountant by profession. She has a Degree in Accounting from the University of Guyana and a Master’s Degree from Gloucester University, England and is a Certified Chartered Accountant (ACCA Level II). Ms. Lawrence was employed by the American School in this capacity. Ms. Lawrence is

a member of the Central Executive Committee of the PNCR. She headed the Human Services and Welfare Department of the Party. She has done and continues to do sterling work among the elderly and with families who have encountered misfortune. She served in the Tenth Parliament of Guyana as APNU’s Shadow Minister of Human Services and Social Protection. Mr. Ronald Azam Bulkan, Minister of Communities

Mr. Ronald Bulkan is the fifth of seven children of Rehannah Bulkan and the late George Bulkan, both of whom were school teachers. Born in Supenaam on the Essequibo Coast, he is a product of rural Guyana, though not exclusively so. He attended St. Phillips Nursery, Bush Lot Primary, Yakusari Govt., Massiah Govt., Dolphin Govt. and Queen’s College schools. He has spent his entire life in Guyana, except for a nine - month period in 1979/80, when he lived in the USA while attending the University of Houston. Mr. Bulkan is a co-founder (1983) of Precision Woodworking Limited, a pioneering company in value added processing in the woodsector in Guyana. Mr. Bulkan and Precision were awarded the coveted Ernst and Young Caribbean Entrepreneur of the Year title in 2001, to date, the only Guyanese company to earn this accolade. He subsequently was inducted to the World Entrepreneur of the Year Academy in Monte Carlo in June 2002. Although a businessman, Mr. Bulkan is no stranger to social and political activism. He belonged to the Guyana Human Rights Association (and was a member of the Elections Monitoring Committee in the pre-1992 period). An extension of this saw his being a part of the GUARD movement and he spoke on the platform, both in Georgetown and on the Corentyne. He proudly recalls organising a picketing ex-

from page 8 ercise (together with Ian Lye) in 1992 against S.S Ramphal outside the Hotel Tower, when Ramphal was here spearheading hearings of the West Indian Commission. The exercise was meant to highlight the call for regional and international pressure to restore democratic elections and it was joined by the PPP, whose members that day included the late Dr. Cheddi Jagan and Mr. Harripersaud Nokta. He was a candidate at the 1997 General Elections for the Working People’s Alliance. The organisations to which he belonged are the Queen’s College Cadet Corps, GHRA, WPA and the PNC. He counts among his heroes Nehru, Gandhi, Norman Manley, Martin Luther King, Mandela, Eusi Kwayana, Desmond Hoyte and Muhammed Ali. Mr. Bulkan prays at the Redeemer Lutheran Church but is comfortable in any place of worship. He is married to Sattie and together they have two children, George & Nadia. Mr Sydney Allicock, Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs

Mr. Sydney Allicock, is from the North Rupununi, Upper Takutu-Upper Essequibo, Region Nine, and is widely accepted as a pioneer of community-based tourism in Guyana. He was Public and Civic Contributions 2010 Laureate and is well qualified to represent the Indigenous people of Guyana. Mr. Allicock is a representative of the Guyana Action Party (GAP) in the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU). He has articulated and promoted a vision of indigenous rural community development, based on communal effort, wise use of natural resources, traditional knowledge and social systems, and equitable partnership with outside agencies. He has been a key figure in the development over the past two decades of the village of Surama, the North Rupununi region more widely, and Guyana’s indigenous communities, which continued on page 10

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

The faces of the APNU+AFC... account for nearly a tenth of the country’s population. As a former Toshao of Annai, Mr. Allicock pioneered celebrations for Amerindian Heritage Day which were later adopted as a national event by the Guyana Government. Now Amerindian Heritage Day is celebrated in a different village each year, bringing both investment and national attention to indigenous communities around Guyana. Mr. Allicock is one of the Iwokrama Centre’s key tutors for its Training Services Centre, where he has helped train hundreds of young Guyanese, mostly from indigenous communities, in leadership, survival skills, and eco-tourism development. His writing has been published in the distinguished literary journal Kyk-Over-Al. Mr. Allicock served in the Tenth Parliament of Guyana, with responsibilities for Local Government and Hinterland Development. Mr. David Patterson, Minister of Public Infrastructure

Mr David Patterson was born on May 4, 1967 in Georgetown and received his early education at St. Gabriel Primary School and St. Stanislaus College. He studied at the Greenwich University (UK) and graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying. He is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, Real Estate Appraiser and Project Manager. Mr. Patterson has over 25 years’ experience of providing quantity surveying, project management and appraisal services to both public and private sector clients in the United Kingdom, Guyana and the Caribbean. He is a member of the Royal Institutions of Chartered Surveyors, and the Architecture and Surveying Institute. He is a member of the AFC and served as a Member of Parliament (2006-2011), and as the party’s General Secretary from 2012 to 2015. Other positions held by Mr. Patterson include: Past president of the Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation, Past Presi-

dent of the Georgetown Dominoes Association and Past President of the Rotary Club of Demerara. He is a Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary Foundation). Mrs. Catherine Minister of Tourism

Hughes,

Catherine Andrea Hughes is a Media Specialist with extensive knowledge of the Caribbean media and advertising environment. She is a graduate of the University of the West Indies, with a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) degree in Mass Communications. Mrs. Hughes has worked at media bodies in the Caribbean and internationally for more than 20 years, having served as a news reporter for the Caribbean News Agency and with the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) as a television producer. She was part of the BBC’s Radio Merseyside team as a freelance reporter. Upon her return to Guyana in 1993, she started a company, Videomega Productions. Other positions she held include; former president of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG), and a member of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union and the Caribbean Media Corporation. She firmly believes that Guyana needs an "entire public relations" campaign as the country is still unknown to many parts of the world. More than that, Ms. Hughes wants the country to provide adequate training for those securing a career in the Tourism industry. Mr. Khemraj Ramjattan, 2nd Vice President & Minister of Public Security Attorney at Law and Cofounder of the Alliance for Change, Mr. Ramjattan first became a member of the National Assembly in 1992. Introduction to politics for Mr. Ramjattan was through the People’s Progressive Party, where he ascended through the ranks, from being leader of its youth section (PYO) to the position of member of that party’s

Central Committee. However, his futuristic way of thinking, probing mind and true commitment to democracy at all levels, including at the level of internal party arrangements, brought him into conflict with the old dogmatists of the PPP/C. It was his vision for a new and progressive political dispensation in Guyana that led him to the formation of the Alliance For Change in 2005, the party he founded with Raphael Trotman and Sheila Holder. He has been a Member of Parliament since October 1992, serving as a Member of the Public Accounts Committee in 2001-2004, and in a number of other Parliamentary Committees. He has fearlessly and objectively represented his views on numerous issues, some highly politically sensitive, all in his quest for a better Guyana. His advocacy in many high profile human rights cases has given him prominence and stature in Guyana’s legal fraternity. He successfully participated in the British Council’s Young Lawyers Commonwealth Scholarship Programme in 1992 at the University of London. He is a former Editor of the Guyana Bar Review. Mr. Winston DaCosta Jordan, Minister of Finance

Winston DaCosta Jordan is a former Head of the Budget Office of the Ministry of Finance. His stellar academic pedigree allows for confidence building, where Guyana’s economy is concerned: University of Warwick, UK-MA (Economics); University of Guyana-B.

Scs. (Distinction) (Economics); Penn State University, USA-Certificate in Budgeting & Structural Adjustment; Harvard University, USA- Certificate in Public Sector Budgeting. Not the armchair theoretician, Mr. Jordan has been in his field and has accumulated valuable experience as a Practising Economist: 2009-2015-Country Analyst, Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU); 2006 (February)-2008 (June)-Technical Coordinator, Public Management Modernisation Programme (IDB), Ministry of Finance; 1998 (August)-2007 (May)-Budget/Economic Adviser, Ministry of Finance; 1997 (April)-1998 (July)-Budget Specialist, Office of the Budget, Ministry of Finance; 1995 (July)-1997 (March)- Adviser in Budgeting, Ministry of Finance; 1995 (January-May)-Budgeting and Public Investment Specialist, Ministry of Finance; 1985 (June)-1994 (August)-Director, Office of the Budget, Ministry of Finance; 1984 (October)-1985 (June)Senior Planner, State Planning Secretariat; 1981 (October)-1984 (October)-Planner, State Planning Secretariat. The minister utilised his education and expertise in teaching intermittently at the University of Guyana. He served also as Director of (GAIBANK), 198792; Bauxite Development Company Limited (BIDCO), 1987-2003; Guyana Cooperative Financial Service (GCFS), 1997-2005; Alternate Director, Caribbean Development Bank, 1986-92; Temporary Governor and Alternate Governor to the IDB, CDB and the IMF/World Bank Group. This kind of distinguished background was recognised and well rewarded as Mr. Jordan deservedly copped a number of honours and awards: University of Guyana Vice Chancellor’s Special Award; Commonwealth Scholarship; UNDP Fellowship; and Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship. He is married to Charmaine Atkinson-Jordan and the couple are the parents of Jo-Anne Milner, Darren Jordan and Yanic Jordan. Mr. Noel L. Holder Minister of Agriculture Minister of Agriculture Noel Holder’s education is elite and diverse. After gaining his Secondary Education at Queen’s College (1955 – 1964), he moved on to pursue studies in agriculture, and is the holder of a B.Sc., Agriculture, Leeds University, England-1968. Other titles he holds are: M.Sc., Animal Nutrition, University of Florida, USA-1972; Fellow, Economic Development Institute

from page 9

(World Bank), Rural Development Projects-1979; Certificate in Computers & Training for Project Management, MASDAR Technology Limited, England-1989. A true professional, Mr. Holder is not merely academic, as over the years, he has accumulated valuable experience within his domain: International Management Consultant-1994-Present; i-Net Communications Inc., Chief Executive Officer-1999-2011; Livestock Development Company Limited, Guyana-1975-1994-Managing Director; Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana-1973-1975-Production Manager; and Ministry of Agriculture, Guyana-1969-1973-Livestock Officer. What is very noteworthy is that the minister’s exposure is truly enviable. He rubbed shoulders with leaders of the Commonwealth Secretariat, Organisation of American States (OAS), Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), Department for International Development (DFID - UK), and International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). Before entering full time management consultancy in November 1994, Noel Holder was the Managing Director of the Livestock Development Company Ltd. (LIDCO). This was the largest cattle operation in Guyana, and he was responsible for developing this entity from two ranches into an agri-business organisation, owning and operating four large dairy farms, five ranches (beef), occupying 93,000 hectares with 15,000 head of cattle, a milk processing plant (40,000 liters daily throughput) and a 1,000- acre seed paddy production unit. Mr Holder’s expertise and experience stretch over 25 years in the identification, preparation and implementation of sustainable agricultural and agri-industrial development projects, and within the field of Agribusiness/Management Consultant. (To be continued in the next issue)

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

New Ministers outline priority areas

Following the swearing-in of the members of the APNU+AFC Cabinet, the Government Information Agency was able to speak to a few of those Ministers, who outlined some of the priority areas they would like to tackle in the coming years within their individual Ministries.

Expect major overhaul to the education Four new towns for Guyana within a system - Minister Roopnaraine year – Minister of Communities

he Ministry of Communities will be responsible for preparing four communities in Guyana for township status. These will complement the existing six towns: Georgetown, the capital, New Amsterdam, Corriverton and Rosehall in Region Six, Anna Regina, Region Two and Linden, Region Ten. This was told to the Government Information Agency (GINA) by Minister of Communities Ronald Bulkan. The towns are going to be made out of the comPresident Granger swears in Minsiter of Edcuation Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine munities of Mabaruma in Region One, Bartica in Ren response to prob- the text books that are be- in culture, education and gion Seven, Mahdia in Relems such as a high ing used in the classroom. among the young that we gion Eight, and Lethem in level of illiteracy, the He explained that revision are going to in effect bring Region Nine. large number of school must be at the earliest level about the healing and recMinister Bulkan noted drop-outs and the con- of education in Guyana onciliation of the country that the communities will stantly falling standard of because “the mistakes that and bring people together be upgraded to township the University of Guyana we make when they are and go forward as one,” he status, each with its own (UG), the newly appointed very small and very young explained. mayor and councillors. The Minister of Education Dr. are the mistakes that we The Education MinisRupert Roopnaraine has come to regret when they ter is at the moment looksignalled his intention to are very much older.” ing at the establishment of completely overhaul the “So we want to see the the various Departments, education system. education system of the meeting with the different “We are not satisfied child and the process of Heads of the Departments, with the way in which liter- educating the child as be- interviewing persons and acy in this country is going. ginning from really right trying to get practitioners We are very unhappy with down at the bottom, when who are experienced in all the large number of drop the child is very small all these areas of operations to outs from the system,” the the way to tertiary,” he make their contributions to Education Minister told the said. the process. Government Information He noted that the over“I believe if the minisAgency (GINA.) haul will be a long process, try is going to act as one “It is not working but one that must be done of an instruments of healwhen you are losing hun- and in a systematic way to ing, that we have to be very dreds of people who are ensure that at every level careful about how we are not completing school. It of the education system the promoting our culture and is not working if people student is better prepared. to ensure that no one feel are coming out of school, “That means intense scru- excluded or dominated by not being able to read and tiny of the curriculum, in- anyone else,” he explained. write completely. It is not tense scrutiny of all the text He said that the minisworking if the standard of books, we have to ensure try will start to take action the university is constantly that what is being taught is as soon as it can, based on inister of Agfalling. These are things correct,” he said. real assessment. “… We riculture Noel that we need to address He added that, “…edu- are very busy. I do not anHolder has indiand we have to begin to cation, culture, sports, and ticipate that we are talking do a thorough analysis and youths are in fact the ar- about months and months cated that his special interunderstanding of what has eas, where we are able to of study. We need action est and priority would be gone wrong in the educa- work at uniting a divided and we need action soon, plans for the intermediate tion system and we have country. This is the task but we do not want to act savannahs, plans which to begin at the beginning,” of this ministry. The task irrationally. We want to have been in abeyance for Dr. Roopnaraine said. of this ministry is not just act rationally and we want 20 years. During a brief interThe Education Min- to produce excellent stu- to act in a way that would ister said that absolutely dents, but we have a larger in effect be guided by evi- view after his swearing everything will be looked more profound political dence, by real data,” he in by President David A Granger at the Office of at, from the curriculum to task. It is through our work clarified.

new towns will then be able to provide all the services that other municipalities offer. He explained that services would include sanitation, banking, and other governmental services such as provision of passports and driver’s licence. The Minister added that this would enable residents of the new towns to re-

main within their township, thereby precluding them from having to travel all the way to Georgetown to access such services. Minister Bulkan expects that the four new towns would be operational by the time Guyana observes its 50th Independence Anniversary on May 26, 2016.

Plans for intermediate savannahs a priority for new Agriculture Minister

the President (soon to be renamed the Ministry of the Presidency), Minister Holder noted that first he would have to familiarise himself with the staff of the Ministry along with the agricultural situation in Guyana and the various sub-agencies attached to the Ministry. He pointed to the National Agricultural Re-

search and Extension Institute (NAREI), the Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA), and the Guyana Rice Development Board (GRDB) among other areas which comprise the width of the Ministry, and with which he has to familiarise himself. Minister Holder also noted too the interface with international agencies such as the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) and the Organisation of American States (OAS) among others which also need to be looked at. Regarding the intermediate savannahs, Minister Holder indicated that this was his special interest with respect to agricultural development. He also observed that with the advent of climate change, not enough has been done on the coastland and focus would be placed on this area.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

New Ministers outline priority...

from page 11

Prime Minister Nagamootoo responsible for information, also VP, Cabinet Chairman

uring a short interview, after his swearing in at the Ministry of the Presidency (formerly Office of the President), Mr. Moses Nagamootoo in his capacity as Prime Minister with responsibilities for Information and Chairman of the Cabinet explained that he is also responsible for Constitutional reform. He pointed out that with regard to Constitutional reform which was promised,

a start would be made “on humbling the powers of the president, the excessive powers of the executive, and to see how we could bring about greater inclusion within the governing system.” Prime Minister Nagamootoo observed that the constitutional reform process would include a full range of issues which will affect the operation of Guyana’s democracy. He also pointed out that as prime minister he would

begin by taking down all the elections banners, and then cleaning up the city. He declared, “let’s see how we could send a message to the Guyanese people that elections are behind us, and we have to now work together.” He noted that his functions as PM would place him as Chairman of the Cabinet. This would mean that he would be holding a liaison and supervisory role of the entire Cabinet “to see

that we bring together the legislative agenda.” PM Nagamootoo pointed out that being Leader of the House in the National Assembly would keep him busy, “but I will pay special attention within my ministerial outfit, to Information and Constitutional reform, those are two big areas because we had promised the Guyanese people that we will have Constitutional reform, so I will pay special attention to that area.”

New Tourism Minister has several More emphasis to be placed on women, youth empowerment plans to improve Guyana's image Indigenous - new Indigenous People’s Affairs Ministers there is a section of the

ewly appointed Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes believes that there is much more room for growth in the sector. Minister Hughes said that she is excited and is looking to push forward with several strategies that should further move the industry and put Guyana more on the map as a ‘must see’ destination. Speaking to the Government Information Agency (GINA) at the Office of the President (Ministry of the Presidency) following her swearing-in, the new Tourism Minister said that one of the first things that she will seek to develop is a proper marketing plan and a marketing programme for Guyana. “I know from my personal experience that many many people come to this lovely country, they have a great time, but too many people still don’t know where we are,” Minister Hughes said. She explained that this plan will address not only

marketing Guyana as a destination, but also increasing airlift, so that tourists can fly to Guyana at an affordable price. “It still is kind of expensive for some sectors of the market place to come to Guyana,” the minister said. She said that she also feels strongly about the Tourism and Hospitality Training School. “We have great investments, the private sector has made strong investments, but we still need to up our level of service, and it is not only in the hospitality industry, but generally in all the government offices. We want to be able to look after people well and to look after other Guyanese and tourists,” she said. Strengthening relationships with other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states will also be a priority, especially as part of an agenda of multi-destination marketing. “The CARICOM member states are closest to us;

Caribbean population who have the disposable income to travel for special events. You see that at all the jazz festivals, a group of professionals, and others sporting groups, a range of Caribbean people who want to see other countries within the region, so that is also an area we can also explore,” Minister Hughes said. “They come down already for Easter, they come down for special holidays so that is an additional area that is easy to get going,” she said. The minister is also cognisant of the fact that the marketing of the country will also have to look at changing the image of Guyana, and is fully prepared for this task. “I have already felt that Guyana needs an entire PR campaign. When you think about many parts of the Caribbean, especially in many parts of the world, unfortunately we battle with a negative image, this image is in relation to gun crimes, violent crimes, interpersonal violence, robberies, and the cleanliness of the city, so I am so excited that President Granger started off by showing how important it is for people to keep their surroundings clean by working on the Independence Arch and that he has also publicly stated that he wants to refurbish all our national treasures and all monuments,” she said.

ing on Indigenous communities would another priority. This, he pointed out, would ensure the consideration of previous arrangements, and would include dialogue and education. The effects, he explained, include broken families and drug addiction among others. He noted that a constructive programme for the people in the interior is needed. Meanwhile, Minister Garrido-Lowe was very enthusiastic in speaking of her interest in the empowerment of the youths and women in Amerindian communities especially those who are in remote locations. She said that many of these people are not given the opportunity to excel because they cannot afford to travel to the coastland to gain experience or develop skills, and it is her belief that skills can be taught to them in their own comfort zones, which are their communities. The Minister also pointed out that in the past she started training programmes for women in some of these communities. These also provide a means for income generation as some of them have even gone into the food business. Another area high on the ministry’s agenda is land titling and demarcation, she stated.

Minister of Indigenous People’s Affairs- Sydney Allicock inister of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs, Sydney Allicock, and Minister in the Ministry Mrs. Valerie Garrido-Lowe, have disclosed that one of their main focus areas would be the empowerment of Indigenous women and youths. After being sworn in by President David A. Granger at the Office of the President, now renamed the Ministry of the Presidency, the ministers spoke to the Government Information Agency (GINA), both pledging their commitment to the development of the country’s first people, the Amerindians. Minister Allicock said he is hopeful that Toshaos (Amerindian Leaders) would be elected in June, and that long outstanding issues would be dealt with thereafter. Priority would be jobs, he said, noting that with the rapid growth of the indigenous population and the shortage of teachers, youths are now moving on to neighbouring countries. The Minister pointed out too that tourism, agriculture, handicraft and community based farming would be addressed. These, he explained, could enable stronger Mrs. Valerie Garrido - Lowe being sworn-in family units. The Indigenous Peoples Affairs as Minister in the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs Minister noted that the effect of min-

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President defends size of Cabinet and renaming of Ministries

resident David Granger has dismissed claims that the new APNU/AFC Coalition Government is a “large government,” and pointed out that there are fewer ministries than those under the previous administration. “It is the amalgamation of the ministries that would have created concerns,” the President said. “I have not created a larger number of ministries than existed before; there are now fewer than there were before, as far as the names are concerned, I have explained that some of the changes in name were to emphasise the functions.” Citing one example, the president pointed out that the Ministry of the Presidency always existed as it is merely the renaming of

President David A Granger meeting with his Ministers of the Cabinet for the first time since their swearing in the Office of the President. “I felt it necessary to have a Minister of State, who would continue to act authoritatively to ensure that the Cabinet decisions are implemented throughout the government service.” Explaining the name change of the Ministry of

Local Government to Ministry of communities, President Granger said, “We are not simply building houses or building roads, we are building communities where human beings live and that is why it was renamed to emphasise the human aspect of local development, local government,

GICC renamed Arthur Chung Convention Centre

he Guyana International Conference Centre was renamed the Arthur Chung Convention Centre. President David Granger made this announcement, during a high-level meeting at the Conference Centre, where he met with senior public servants, including Permanent Secretaries and the Heads of State Agencies and Commissions. According to the president, “The first Executive President of Guyana needs to be remembered”. “Sometimes we tend to forget who our first president was … I would like the first president in this country to be remembered,” he stated. President Granger explained that Arthur Chung was the first person of Chinese descent to govern a non-Asian country and therefore renaming the GICC in his honour would be the least this country can do to pay tribute. The late President Arthur Chung (January 10, 1918 – June 23, 2008) was born at Windsor Forest, West Coast Demerara, Guyana. He was educated at Windsor Forest, Blankenburg, and Modern High School. Before civic service, Chung was an apprentice surveyor and sworn land surveyor. In the early 1940s, Chung entered the Middle

Temple of London, England and qualified as a barrister in 1947.He returned to Guyana and was later appointed an acting magistrate. In 1954, he became a magistrate and in 1960, a senior magistrate. He also served as Registrar of Deeds and of the Supreme Court. He then became a Puisne Judge and finally an Appeal Court Judge in 1963. When Guyana became a republic under the leadership of Forbes Burnham in 1970, the National Assembly elected Chung as the country's first President of Guyana. He held the position of President from March 17, 1970 to October 06, 1980 when a constitutional revision transformed the presidency into an executive position, and Burnham succeeded Chung as President. On June 23, 2008, Chung died at his home. He was laid to rest at the Place of Heroes, Seven Ponds in the Botanical Gardens. The GICC, which was funded by a grant provided by the Government of the People’s Republic of China, was constructed at a cost of approximately US$8 million. The People’s Republic of China on February 16, 2006 delivered the multi-million dollar, state-of-the-art Conference Centre (GICC) to the Government and people of Guyana.

of regional government and of housing schemes and water supply.” The Head of State stressed the need to see places where citizens dwell, not just a collection of buildings, but a collection of families, so that emphasis can be placed on sporting facilities, culture

and other types of community life. These, and more the President said, are more often than not absent from newly developed housing schemes, across the country. The renaming of the Ministry of Home Affairs to the Ministry of Public Security, the President said is self-explanatory. “What does Home Affairs mean? Home Affairs is an old title which is taken from the British Empire, they had foreign affairs which dealt with international matters and home affairs, but we do not have an empire, so why should we call it Home Affairs?” Likewise the Ministry of Public Infrastructure from the Ministry of Public Works is also self-explanatory as it caters to infra-

structure for public use, and will be dealing with stellings, roadways and bridges. Meanwhile, responding to the issue of no consultations being held before the renaming of some of the ministries, President Granger said, “there is a lot of criticism, but some of it is not well informed. The Ministry of Indigenous People’s (Affairs), the Indigenous people said that they prefer to be called ‘indigenous peoples’ rather than to be called Amerindians.” With regard to the appointments, he said, “I had to have some consultations before the appointments were made; I could not sit down by myself and make Mr. Ramjattan a Vice President.”

Guyana to open Consulate in French Guiana - President Granger

he new administration is keen on opening a Diplomatic Consulate in French Guiana. This was revealed during an interview with President David Granger by French Television Senior Journalist Nicolas Pietrus. “I will ensure that there is a consulate in French Guiana to look after the interest of the Guyanese there”. It was noted that French Guiana has a large migrant population of Guyanese and such a facility would help to service their needs, and assist in the building of closer ties between the two nations. According to the Head of State, many of Guyana’s diplomatic representatives have been serving overseas for 22 years or more and “this is unacceptable”. Many countries rotate or change their diplomats every three or four years. Foreign Minister Carl Greenidge has already indicated that those who were political appointees to the Foreign Service will be asked to step down. With regards to the Diaspora, and Guyanese in general who reside overseas, President Granger said that while many departed this country, “in the 1980s and 90s, to the present time” due to mostly economic reasons, he is optimistic that as Guyana begins to improve economically, this trend will be reversed. “I think they love their homeland and I’m confident that they will like to make a better future for themselves and their children, right here in Guyana so they would return home. I expect migration to be reduced, the Diaspora will come home, they love their country”. The President was told of a negative perception that is given to many Guyanese in French Guiana, notwithstanding the fact

many who have migrated to the territory are hardworking, law abiding citizens. He responded that as with any community, “You will find that the good people outnumber the bad people. We are aware that many fugitives from justice and many persons from poor economic conditions go to neighbouring countries to seek a better life. Some of them might be criminals, and we hope that when we establish a consulate, we’ll be able to ensure that persons who are identified as criminals in their homeland will be indentified to the authorities in Cayenne, and we will be able to extradite persons who are wanted for criminal offences”. He added that it is not his government’s intention to export crime, but rather offer protection to law abiding citizens. “I am very confident that in the long- term, you will be very confident of Guyanese who seek employment in your country. We have economic problems and what you are seeing may be a consequence of that but we are not a criminal state, we are not a rogue state”. The question of whether he would support the efforts of French Guiana to become a member of Caricom was met with a positive response from President Granger. He explained that while the Caribbean Community was launched initially with English speaking countries, Haiti and Suriname which are not English speaking are now members. The President said, “We feel that the Caribbean Community has as its objective the alleviation of poverty and the provision of a good life for all its citizens so I would welcome the citizens of French Guiana although it is the smallest of the Guianas. I would welcome it in to the Caribbean family”.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

ExxonMobil announces ‘significant’ oil discovery offshore Guyana - President Granger visits drill ship

President David A. Granger, being briefed on the operations of ExxonMobil's oil rig, the Deepwater Champion ust one-day after Exxon within the Ministry of the Mobil Corporation an- Presidency Joseph Harmon nounced that it had dis- and Alliance For Change covered oil, ( a mere two (AFC) Executive, Member weeks after it declared that Raphael Trotman, who was it had found hydrocarbons,) later sworn-in as Minister of President David Granger, Governance. on May 21, made his first The President expressed visit to visit to the oil and satisfaction with the work gas exploration drill ship of executed so far, and the ExxonMobil, the Deepwater company’s presence in the Champion. Guyana. “We are one of The President was ac- the Guianas, and it is a rich companied by the newly part of the world, in terms sworn-in Minister of State of rainforest, current, min-

erals, so I am glad that we have opened the door, I am glad that you are a part of opening the door for us,” the President said. He also mentioned reiterated, his earlier commitment, prior to assuming office, of the creation of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, so that the disposal of any natural resource will go towards benefitting the people of Guyana. The President had pledged to establish the fund for the accumulation and preservation of wealth acquired from the exploitation of the country’s natural resources. Meanwhile, Minister Harmon noted the level of enthusiasm on the rig itself because of the finding. He also assured that Guyanese will not be excluded from whatever wealth comes out of the venture. “We believe that good days are ahead for Guyana,” Harmon said but cautioned that “the time between an announcement

and the use of that facility could very well be a couple of years.” Harmon noted however, that the company is very “bullish about what they have found and they believe that the investment that is needed to take it to the next level is almost assured.” He said that Government is satisfied that ExxonMobil is doing what needs to be done and, whatever happens out there will redound to the benefit of the Guyanese people. “Guyanese people can all be assured that whatever comes out of the sovereign wealth of this nation, that they will be part of it, that they will benefit it.” ExxonMobil, on May 20 disclosed that it has found a deposit of a 'significant' amount of oil in the Stabroek Block, about 120 nautical miles offshore Guyana. The company said this discovery was made in one of the two wells it dug, in the Liza-1 drill site which

realised more than 295 feet of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone. In the released statement, President of ExxonMobil Exploration Company Stephen Greenlee, said, “I am

According to the oil company, the well was “spud” on March 5, 2015, and the well data will be analysed in the coming months, to better determine the full resource potential.

Exxonmobil’s oil rig, the Deepwater Champion anchored in the Stabroek block, 120 miles offshore Guyana encouraged by the results of the first well on the Stabroek Block…over the coming months we will work to determine the commercial viability of the discovered resource, as well as evaluate other resource potential on the block.”

On May 7, the company had disclosed that its drilling ship, Deepwater Champion had encountered Hydrocarbons, but that it was too early to confirm whether there are commercial quantities of hydrocarbons, specifically light crude.

Guyana Goldfields Inc. is on track to officially begin production by August

he Guyana Goldfields Inc. (TSX: GUY) ("GGI”) has announced that the mill commissioning process has commenced and the Aurora Gold Project remains on track for projected initial gold production in mid-2015. According to the company’s Snr. Vice President Country Management Violet Smith the project’s construction is approximately 85% complete with focus being placed on operational readiness, training and commissioning. It was stated that GGI has commenced the commissioning of the SAG Mill, Power Plant Generators and Water and Air Support Systems. The company official in a release issued recently, stated that the commissioning phase will continue during the second quarter of this year and the company is in the process of com-

pleting the remaining piping, electrical and surface conveyor construction, “GGI is on track to start-up the gravity gold and saprolite production circuits for mid-2015 which would allow for earlier gold production (pre-commercial production) through the processing plant. The commissioning and startup of the hard rock crushing circuit is projected to be completed in the third calendar quarter of 2015.” Smith added that the company’s mining fleet is fully operational and all materials required for construction are on site. He declared that “All surface and on-site construction and bulk earthworks are completed except for the river dike and runway expansion. The Company is currently operating at peak construction and manpower levels with over 1,000 personnel at site. The opera-

tional readiness team has been hired and undergoing initial training. Initial open pit mining at Rory's Knoll has defined the pit outline with excavation below river level with no in-flow of water, as expected.” The company expects to produce between 30,000 ounces to 50,000 ounces of gold in 2015 and approximately 120,000 ounces to 140,000 ounces of gold in 2016. GGI has approximately US$44 million (as at March 31, 2015) of capital expenditures remaining to projected initial production. The total initial development costs for all facilities as well as mining equipment, owner's costs, indirect costs, etc., remains forecasted to be US$249 million. The Project is tracking on budget with US$52 million available as an overrun facility, if needed. "The commissioning of

His Excellency, David A. Granger, during his meeting with Patrick Sheridan, Chairman of Guyana Goldfields Inc. the mill circuit is a major milestone which we've been able to deliver on schedule and brings us one step closer to initial production”, according to President & CEO, Scott A. Caldwell. He added that he is proud of what has been accomplished in just a little over a year, “The energy at site is vibrant and I would like to thank all our employees and contractors for their dedication and excellent work. At this stage in the game, we are so close to production that it has eliminated a large

portion of capital overspending risk. Our next focus is producing ounces at,

or above our target for 2015 gold production and join the ranks of producers.”

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

Scenes from the 49th Independence flag raising ceremony

Scenes from President David Granger’s inauguration 16

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

National Awards announced for more than 50 Guyanese

resident David A Granger has selected 52 persons and one group for the receipt of National Awards of Guyana. The awards were announced during the inauguration of the President at the Guyana National Stadium today. The awards are as follow: ORDER OF RORAIMA 1. For his long and outstanding involvement in the struggle for independence and for his role in providing public service for three generations.

tional, Regional, Commonwealth and International levels.

4. For long and exceptional service as Minister of the Government and in the field of law.

2. For long and dedicated service as an Ambassador in the Guyana Foreign Service and in the field of politics.

2. For her long and outstanding service as an historian and educator at the secondary and tertiary levels and as the administrator of the Mercy Boys’ Home.

3. For his contributions in the field of law at the Na-

MINISTRY OF WORKS AND GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE OFFICER

7. For service of an exceptionally high quality in the field of youth and women’s empowerment, community renewal projects, raising awareness, nationally and internationally, of the urgent need to address mental health issues and in the field of politics.

2. For long and outstanding service in the public sector, in the field of politics and in business. IVOR ALLENBUSINESSMAN/ CONTRACTOR

CLIFTON MORTIMER LLEWELYN JOHNFORMER MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE, HOME AFFAIRS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND ATTORNEY-AT-LAW 5. For long service with exceptional dedication as a religious leader, educator and sports commentator. APOSTLE WINSTON FRANKLIN McGOWAN, AA, MINISTER OF RELIGION 6. For long and dedicated service of an exceptionally high standard in the Public Service, the Foreign Service and to the Presidency.

3. For long, dedicated and outstanding service in the fields of education and politics, as a Minister of the Government and in the Guyana Foreign Service.

ESHWAR VEVAKANAND PERSAUD,

SUPRIYA SINGHBODDEN, FOUNDER OF THE GUYANA FOUNDATION 8. For his outstanding contributions in the fields of Law, Legal Education, Literature, Human Rights and in Community and Public Service. DONALD ASHLEY BEVIL TROTMAN, FORMER JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT AND COURT OF APPEAL 9. For his involvement and outstanding contributions in religious and community work, especially among the poor and needy. ELSWORTH QUINTEL WILLIAMS, APOSTLE, FULL GOSPEL FELLOWSHIP GOLDEN ARROW OF ACHIEVEMENT 1. For long and dedicated service as Captain, Pilot Coast Guard Commander and Marine Surveyor. EDGAR WRENSFORD ADAMS FORMER TRANSPORT AND HARBOURS DEPARTMENT,

GUYANA 7. For long, dedicated service and outstanding service in the field of aviation.

3. For long and dedicated service to the indigenous peoples of Guyana. JEANNE SHARON ATKINSON PRESIDENT, AMERINDIAN PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION 4. For long and dedicated service in the Maritime Sector. BASIL BRENTNOL BLACKMAN, FORMER COAST GUARD OFFICER, GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE

OSCAR CLARKE, GENERAL SECRETARY, PEOPLE’S NATIONAL CONGRESS/REFORM SISTER MARY NOEL MENEZES, AA, PROFESSOR EMERITUS

AA PROTOCOL ADVISOR, MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY

BRYNMOR THRONTON INNISS POLLARD, CCH, SC, FORMER CHIEF PARLIAMENTARY COUNSEL, GUYANA CACIQUE’S CROWN OF HONOUR 1. For long, outstanding and dedicated service in the field of politics, the public service and community work. EDITH MYRTLE BYNOE, FORMER MINISTER OF THE GOVERNMENT

HAMILTON GREEN FORMER PRIME MINISTER AND PRESENT MAYOR OF GEORGETOWN

YVONNE HAREWOOD-BENN FORMER TEACHER, MINISTER OF THE GOVERNMENT AND CONSUL-GENERAL, NEW YORK

5. For her outstanding contribution to environmental education, training, research and the development of national policies on natural resource management issues.

PAULETTE EURANIE BYNOE, SENIOR LECTURER, DIRECTOR OF THE EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA 6. For long service with exceptional dedication in the public and private sectors and in social work. MITZY GAYNOR CAMPBELL, OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF

MALCOLM CHANA-SUE, MS, FORMER CHIEF PILOT, GUYANA AIRWAYS CORPORATION, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AIRCRAFT OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE ART WILLIAMS/ HARRY WENDT AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING SCHOOL 8. For his outstanding service in the field of medicine, for surgery in general and neuro-surgery in particular. IVOR WINSTON CRANDON, PROFESSOR OF NEUROSURGERY, UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES 9. For long and dedicated service as a teacher and as a community worker in Region 2. DOREEN PATRICIA DUNCAN, RETIRED HEADMISTRESS. MINISTRY OF EDUCATION 10. For outstanding service in the printing industry for over thirty-five years FAZIL SHAHIBBDEEN IBRAHIM HAKH, PROPRIETOR, F & H PRINTING ESTABLISHMENT 11. For long, dedicated and outstanding service as a Public Servant. continued on page 20

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

National Awards announced for...

from page 19

MARUICE BERTWINSDEL HENRY FORMER DEPUTY CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY AND PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND MINISTRY OF LEGAL AFFAIRS 12. For long and dedicated service in regional administration, in the Cabinet Secretariat and in the National Assembly of the Parliament of Guyana.

education. OLGA BONE FORMER HEAD OF THE EXAMINATIONS IVISION, MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND ASSISTANT REGISTRAR OF EXAMINATIONS, UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA

TURER, FACULTIES OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 16. For long, dedicated and outstanding service in the field of local government and in politics. PRINCE ALBERT POMPEY COUNCILLOR WOODLANDS/FARM NEIGHBOURHOOD COUNCIL

SHERLOCK EWART ISAACS, CLERK OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 13. For long and outstanding service in the Guyana Book Foundation.

17. For long and meritorious service to the People of Guyana and as a Minister of the Anglican Diocese. EVAN BREWSTER BRIDGEWATER SEMPLE CANON, CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURAITON 18. For long and dedicated service as an educator in nursing and for her pioneer role in the establishment of the degree nursing programme at the University of Guyana. GWENDOLIN AGATHA TROSS, RETIRED LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA

LEILA JAGDEO FORMER GENERAL MANAGER, GUYANA BOOK FOUNDATION 14. For long and dedicated service in indigenous rights activism. JEAN BENEDICTA IMELDA La ROSE, PROGRAMME ADMINISTRATOR, AMERINDIAN PEOPLE'S ASSOCIATION 15. For her extensive and exceptional contributions in education and culture at the national and international levels. DR. PALOMA RAMONA FRANCIS MOHAMED, SENIOR LEC-

19. For service of an exceptionally high quality as a water resources and hydropower engineer in the Ministries of Works and Energy and Mines. MAURICE WILFRED VEECOCK SENIOR LECTURER, UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA GROUP AWARD 20. For its outstanding service to the community in the West Demerara area. ANNA CATHERINA ISLAMIC COMPLEX POSTHUMOUS 21. For long and dedicated service in the field of

22. For long, dedicated and outstanding service to Guyana, especially for his research and celebration of Guyana’s cultural heritage and as a broadcaster. WORDSWORTH McANDREW BROADCASTER/FOLK RESEARCHER MEDAL OF SERVICE 1. For long and dedicated service in the field of politics. MABEL BAVEGHEMS, FORMER MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT

ECHARAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, NURSING SERVICES, GEORGETOWN PUBLIC HOSPITAL CORPORATION

6. For long and dedicated service as a Forest Officer. GODFREY EMERSON MARSHALL ADVISOR ON FORESTRY, GUYANA FORESTRY COMMISSION 7. For long and outstanding service in sustainable tropical forest management, wood utilization and marketing of forest products in the development of Guyana’s Forestry Sector. SHEIK SHAKUR NIAMATALI MANAGING DIRECTOR, VARIETY WOODS AND GREEN HEART LIMITED 8. For long service in the field of women’s affairs and in politics. DIONYSIA NIEWENKERK CHAIRPERSON, WOMEN’S GROUP, LETHEM 9. For service of a consistently high quality to the residents of Region 7.

4. For long and dedicated service in the Public Service and more recently in the Parliament Office. JAITUN HANIFFPERSAUD CONFIDENTIAL SECRETARY TO THE SPEAKER 5. For long and dedicated service in the field of nursing. NOSHELLA LALCK-

MILITARY SERVICE MEDAL 1. For distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an officer in the Guyana Defence Force. WILBERT ARLINGTON LEE COLONEL (RET’D), GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE 2. For distinguished service beyond the normal call of duty as an officer in the Guyana Defence Force. 3. WALTER LEYLAND FRANCIS MORRIS, LIEUTENANT COLONEL (RET’D), GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE

TANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, GUYANA POLICE FORCE 3. For sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service. CARL VONLUDWIG GRAHAME, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PRISON, GUYANA PRISON SERVICE 4. For sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Prison Service.

1. For sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force.

2. For long service, with exceptional dedication, in the Guyana Public Service. GORDON CHASE SPECIAL ASSISTANT, MINISTRY OF THE PRESIDENCY 3. For long and dedicated service in the field of education ROYLANCE PATRICIA DAVID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ADULT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

BRIGADIER MARK ANTHONY PHILLIPS CHIEF OF STAFF, GUYANA DEFENCE FORCE

WELTON CUTHBERT TROTZ, DIRECTOR OF PRISON, GUYANA PRISON SERVICE

AMRITA THOMAS VICE-CHAIRMAN, REGION 7 POSTHUMOUS 10. For his long and outstanding involvement in the field of culture and in politics. BURNELL LANCELOT THOMAS BETTER KNOWN AS ACKU FORMER VICE-CHAIRMAN, REGION 10 MILITARY SERVICE STAR 1. For service of an exceptionally high quality and beyond the normal call of duty in the Guyana Defence Force.

CAROL AUDREY LEWIS-PRIMO, FORMER ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, GUYANA POLICE FORCE 2. For sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Police Force. DAVID KENNETH RAMNARINE, ASSIS-

5. For sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service. DESIREE DeSANTOS-MOORE, RETIRED STATION OFFICER, GUYANA FIRE SERVICE 6. For sustained and dedicated service of a high order in the Guyana Fire Service. PETER WILSON, RETIRED STATION OFFICER, GUYANA FIRE SERVICE

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Presidential Pardon for 60 youths convicted for non-violent misdemeanors

resident David A. Granger has announced that the A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) government intends to, on an annual basis, grant presidential pardons to prisoners, who were sentenced for minor misdemeanors (non-violent crimes.) During a special interview at the Ministry of the Presidency with a section of the media recently, President Granger disclosed that as of May 26, (Independence Day,) the new administration will begin the pardoning of 60 convicts, between the ages of 18 to 25. “I believe that young people should be in school, not in jail, and I have asked that emphasis be placed on young persons, and

President David Granger speaking with the media for petty non-violent offences, and sentences of short duration,” the President said. “Sometimes a man (is) in jail for stealing a cell phone, go

your way and sin no more…,” he said, adding that the offences are ‘really petty’, and the offenders ‘pretty young.’ “I hope they get back in

school, get work, and get on with their lives. They do not belong in jail. They belong in school, at home with their families, be happy,” the President said. He clarified that at first he particularly asked for pardons for especially female convicts, but “it turns out that there is a small number of females too who had actually committed minor offences.” Questions about concerns that will be raised over why no reintegration programme for those who will be pardoned, President Granger said, “Most of them are young, most of them are misdemeanors, which are non-violent, and I do hope that we can reintegrate them by ensuring that we get them training programmes.” He noted however, “…the longer

they stay in prison, the more difficult it would be to rehabilitate them.” President Granger was also asked about Former President Donald Ramotar’s pardon of Ravindra Deo, who was convicted for the murder of a child, Vishnu Bhim, which was committed 21 years ago at La Bonne Intention (LBI). His response was, “There is nothing in the constitution that prevents him, but there should be something in his conscience which should have told him that this is not the way to go.” He noted that with the new APNU+AFC administration’s annual amnesty, consideration will not be given to persons who have been convicted for crimes of violence.

Constitutional Commission to hold broad-based consultations as part of move to bring about reform - President Granger

he A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration campaigned on several issues, amongst them, the urgent need for Constitutional Reform, and with the reins of government now in the coalition’s hands, there is some pressure to achieve and address the aforementioned need, according to President David Granger. During an interview with some sections of the media, the president stated that, “There is an ocean of expectations in the country, but I am confident that people are aware that after 23 years of rule by the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/) there has been some damage to our institution and it will take some time to repair that damage.” He admitted that there is pressure of expectations, but there is also a need to ensure that, “things are done in a way that would ensure that people in the end would get a good life.” Guyana’s constitutional reform process has been going on for the better part of 15 years, President Granger noted, “since the Herdmanston Accord was signed and the consti-

tutional reform was convened, and there are still several unimplemented recommendations.” He added that rather than simply doing a “cherry picking exercise,” he has proposed that a constitutional reform commission be established. This body would consult with the people broadly, bring their concerns into the commission, and then make recommendations for proposed constitutional changes. The president emphasised that he did not want a boardroom type of exercise consultation, “I prefer to go and meet the people in the various areas, (as) sometimes, when you sit in a board room and you just receive evidence, only the people who can travel to Georgetown and people who care to come to Georgetown would give such evidence, but when you go to the people, I think you get a different result, and that is what I want to see. I want to go to the people, you might think you know everything, but sometimes people in the riverain areas have a problem with their rights, their entitlements, and sitting in Georgetown does not al-

ways help.” The president explained further that, “What I am trying to say is this, you might speak about children’s right to education as part of the constitution, but if we were to fulfill that

The Head of State stressed that for the Constitutional Reform process to work, wide consultation is necessary. “Constitutional Reform is important, but it must not leave us in a situation we are at present, with

clip and paste it in and then there is another good clause from Australia, and when you look at it now it has the head of a camel, the feet of a horse, a tail of a cow. It’s wagging like a dog and the whole thing, is this really

obligation in the constitution, it means that you must provide the means for that right to be enjoyed, so if a child is living at Parishara and the school is at Nappi or somewhere else and the child has to travel a great distance, that child is probably going to miss school because he cannot travel that distance every day.”

a whole realm of unimplemented recommendations,” President Granger opined. He likened the recent efforts under the previous administration as this, stating that “We have a situation where people attempted to do cut and paste, ‘Ah there is a good clause here from the South Africa constitution, let’s clip clip

a constitution? I think we must avoid the danger of simply cutting and pasting and cherry-picking things from other constitutions and find out what it is people want.” Asked about a time frame for the setting up of the commission, President Granger said the coalition campaigned heavily on re-

ducing the executive powers of the president and he is in agreement, but what he is also suggesting is that it should be part of the reform process, “so that we can establish checks and balances, within the governmental system. It is no point cutting down power and weakening the ability of the executive to govern.” The APNU/AFC government will be moving, he added to strengthen the National Assembly, “the legislative branch to make sure that the executive branch does not have the power to overrule or override the legislative branch. For example as you know we came into a situation on the 10 November last year simply because the executive branch prorogued parliament and up to now parliament has not met for ten months, and this is not acceptable for democracy.” President Granger expressed optimism that the commission would convene in the next month, “within that 100- day period and then we could look forward to having a report as soon as possible. I hope that we could get report before we celebrate our 50th anniversary of Independence”.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Remain steadfast to Army’s core values - President Granger urges ranks taking part in Standard Officers’ Course #48

Chief of Staff of the Guyana Defence Force, Brigadier Mark Phillips and Major Eon Murray giving Commander-in-Chief, President David Granger a tour of the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officers’ Cadet School’s accommodation building at Camp Stephenson, Timehri.

fficers currently participating in the Guyana Defence Force’s (GDF) Standard Officers’ Course #48 were on May 29, encouraged to uphold the maxims of loyalty, honesty, trust, honour, courage and discipline, and remain steadfast to the core values of the Force as they continue to serve the nation. The call came from the Commander-in- Chief of the Armed Forces, Brigadier (R’td) David Granger as he declared the course open at the Colonel Ulric Pilgrim Officer Cadet School, Base Camp Stephenson, Timehri. The officers were told that the experience to be had from this course will be one that should last them a lifetime since the school

was opened out of a need to produce officers of the highest calibre. The school, which was opened 34 years ago, President Granger said, was done at a time when Guyana was under threat and remains under threat even today. Reflecting on an incident which is still fresh in his mind, the Head of State reminded the officers of the attack on an exploration vessel in Guyana’s waters in 2013. To this end, the President said, “the need to have well trained officers has never been diminished.” However, he sought to point out that while there is need for trained officers and the importance of training, he underscored the need for officers to

uphold the maxims, all of which, he said, would be expounded on during the training. Reference was also made of the 2009 incident

where several Army ranks were charged with the murder of a gold miner, an incident, which the President said, will always remain difficult for him. Speaking specifically to the incident, the President said, “This is not the GDF I joined and commanded, and not the GDF that Guyana wanted.” It was after that incident, the Head of State said he penned a book, which encapsulates the core values of the Army, the five core values, and the five core standards by which all ranks should live and serve. He noted that while it is imperative for the army to be equipped with the necessary military equipment, it is equally important to be equipped morally. “You are here to use these arms and weapons to protect the territorial integrity of this country. While the material factor is need-

ed, what is more important are the moral forces.” The President reminded the Officers that defence is conducted by human beings, and it is the attitudes, beliefs, conduct, determination and the education of all ranks that will determine the outcome of any military operation in addition to the material forces. “In my view the moral forces, the non-material forces are more important, so I want you to remember that, it’s not what’s on your shoulder, but it’s what is in your head that will determine the outcome of any military operation.” The Officers were reminded that their mission would not be accomplished individually, but collectively as a platoon or a force. However, the President pointed out that these forces will always need leaders, and it is for this reason training is vital.

“That is why we have institutions like CUPOC, the Officers’ Cadet School, this is where we train our future commanders, our future leaders, the task of command is given to officers, is given to people who hold office and official position.” The need for leaders to be highly qualified and have expertise knowledge while carrying out their function, was also stressed. In congratulating the officers on their participation in the course, they were all urged to remember their motto at all times. Forty-five officer cadets, including two each from Belize and St. Kitts commenced training on April 1. Areas to be covered include, open country warfare, to be conducted at Tacama Battle School, and over land patrol to the top of Kaieteur.

Commander-in-Chief, President David Granger and senior officers of the Guyana Defence Force along with participating officers of the Standard Officers’ Course #48.

President announces re-introduction of a National Cadet Corps

ith the aim of providing youths with basic leadership skills and affording them the opportunity to travel their country, Head of State, David Granger has announced that he would be re-intro-

ducing the National Cadet Corps. A product of the Queen’s College Cadet Corps himself, the President said his intention is not militarization, but giving youths an opportunity to explore their country.

“I do believe that in secondary school youngsters should be exposed to leadership skills, team work, to sport, (and) to travel.” All these, the Head of State said, could prepare them for a military or civilian career in the future, as

the experience they would have gained will take them through life. The corps will also provide recreational and learning opportunities for youths between the ages of 12 and 18 during the August holidays.

President Granger added that the corps would also play up the importance of teamwork, and the good traits that come with public service. President Granger however, noted that the National Cadet Corps will not

be compulsory, but will be open to all youths. Over the years at least three Cadet Corps, the Army Cadet Company, the Queen’s College Cadet Company and the National Cadet Corps were formed, but all later dissolved.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Intelligence, integrity, and impartiality will be hallmarks of public servants under the APNU+AFC administration - President Granger

resident David A. Granger said under his administration, public servants will be anchored on strict professionalism, transparency, and integrity. The president was at the time addressing the heads of the various government agencies and commissions, during a session at the Guyana International Conference Centre, now renamed Arthur Chung Con-

the different agencies can understand, the direction of the new administration. During the meeting, President Granger stressed the need for public servants to understand their role as servants to all citizens of Guyana. “It is my view that the public service is the engine of the executive, (and) it is essential to have an efficient public service.” For a country to have ef-

can enjoy what he calls the “good life”. “It is we the public servants who create that environment in our day to day work, so civilised life in Guyana is not possible without good public service.” For progress to take place and most important equality, President Granger reiterated that a responsive public service is the engine that will ensure this.

A section of the audience at the Guyana International Conference Centre, to be renamed Arthur Chung Convention Centre as they gathered to hear from President David Granger vention Centre. The meeting, which also saw present the Permanent Secretaries of the different government ministries, was conducted specifically for the president to outline the policy of the new government, so that the Heads of

ficient service in education, housing, law and order and infrastructure, President Granger said there must to be a relevant public service. Equally important too, he said is for the creation of the conducive environment in which all citizens

A relevant public service, which has roots in all regions, was also stated as what is also needed to meet the needs of all citizens. “We need a public service that is reliable, and I mention this, the relevance, the responsiveness, the re-

sourcefulness and reliability because I believe in having stronger regions.” The new president called on the public servants to improve efficiency and most importantly to increase the satisfaction, which citizens can derive. Quoting from a report done 62 years ago on Public Service, the president said, “The main purpose of a civil service is to be an organ for the presentation to ministers of the product of organised thought and collective experience. This purpose cannot be achieved unless the civil service is composed of men and women of complete integrity who are able to give advice without fear or favour, partiality or prejudice”. With that in mind, President Granger told the gathering that as the new ministers assumes their office they will be relying on a cadre of public servants who are capable of presenting to their ministers the product of organised thoughts and collective experience. While being reminded of their relevance, they were equally reminded of their role. “We cannot function without a public service and if the public servants try to be politicians there will be catastrophe, there will be administrative catastrophe,

President David A Granger, speaking to Permanent Secretaries and other state agencies' managers at the Guyana International Conference Centre which is to be renamed Arthur Chung Convention Centre the public service must live by different rules.” The president further pointed out, that it is politicians who are the representatives in the parliament and who speak in the interest of the constituencies. As is also necessary, President Granger said that public servants must always be ready and willing to give sound advice to their respective ministers who will aid in the nation building and success of the various ministries. There will also be measures in place to deal with ministers who do not heed advice given to them, President Granger said. “So if an expert gives advice on the acquisition on a sugar factory for example and the politicians refuse to ac-

cept the good example and we end up with a white elephant or we end up with a sort of mechanical catastrophe, the politician will pay the price,” he said. “It means that whoever comes into office as your political minister, the public servant must be prepared to work without reservation and with devotion for the success of that administration.” Stating his non-interest in persons' political affiliation, President Granger said that the public service must be established firmly on the basis of a merit system and not political partiality as he noted the merit system will ensure that career officials would not be selected on the basis of non- merit principles.

President Granger assures of upgraded syllabus at soon to be established Public Service Staff College

aving had a firsthand look at what obtains at the Public Service Training Centre in terms of its day-to-day operations and courses offered, President David A. Granger said that works will commence soon for the much needed upgrade. The president accompanied by Minister of State Joseph Harmon toured the facility and met with representatives. After wrapping up his tour of the facility, the Head of State said his visit was

an important first step towards his administration’s plans for a total reform of the public service. Given that a lot more will be required from public servants holding high office with responsibility for state assets, the President had earlier announced his intention to establish a Public Service Staff College to ensure this. “The Public Service must possess expert knowledge and high standard academic education and for that reason I intend to

introduce a Staff College, so that everyone entering the administrative branches of the Guyana Public Service must do a course at the Public Service Staff College,” the president said. He pointed out that, this would ensure that persons serving the nation would be more equipped, even as the present Public Service Training division of the Public Service Ministry will be upgraded. According to the president, Public Administration courses will be high on the

training agenda while other basics in public service delivery would also be addressed with the aim bringing about a better understanding of how the public service is meant to operate. “So people will not enter and people will not be promoted unless they qualify to enter the public service, unless they possess that degree of expert knowledge which we require of our new public service.” In this regard, President Granger said persons would

President David A. Granger during a tour of the Public Service Ministry’s Training Division library now advance to higher ranks within the administrative system in the public service based on their experience and expertise.

Another aim of this Staff College will be to establish principles on which a career public service is built.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

President, PM continue meeting with Diplomatic Community

resident David Granger continued his meetings with members of the Diplomatic Community, as he outlined his administration’s vision for continued bilateral relations.

Cuban Vice President Ulises Rosales del Toro. In giving a synopsises of his meetings, the Head of State said they were all aimed at giving his government’s continued commitment to work in all areas

the Indian High Commissioner, President Granger said he made a commitment that all projects will proceed as initially planned and that the two countries will continue to forge relations in the area of Informa-

President David Granger (right) in discussions with Cuban Vice President Ulises Rosales del Toro and other Cuban officials at the Ministry of the Presidency

Canadian High Commissioner to Guyana Dr Nicole Giles and her staff during a meeting with President David Granger Meetings were held with the United States (US) Charge d’ Affaires, Bryan Hunt, India’s High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency, Venkatachalam Mahalingam, British High Commissioner to Guyana, His Excellency Greg Quinn, Canadian High Commissioner, Her Excellency, Ms. Nicole Giles, Country Representative to Guyana for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ms. Khadija Musa, Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Jerome Stuart, PC, QC and

of cooperation with the respective countries. According with President Granger his administration will be working closely on matters of national security with the British. Matters of governance will be high on the agenda with Canada and reform of the Guyana Elections Commission. At the forefront of the bilateral relation with Canada will be to implement systems that will ensure a more timely declaration of elections results. During his meeting with

tion and Communication Technology (ICT). Hunt explained that several areas in which the United States has had long cooperation with Guyana were discussed, during his meeting with the President. Some of these include security issues, which fall under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), and the US’ work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment through the Energy Governance Capacity Initiatives. According to the Charge d’Affaires other is-

Prime Minister, Moses Nagamootoo and United States Embassy Charge´ d´ affaires, Bryan Hunt sharing a friendly hand shake after their meeting

sues under the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) were also discussed while the US will be charting out how to work collectively to strengthen bilateral relationships. With the 2015 general and regional election being the last project under the Leadership and Democracy (LEAD) project, Hunt said

on the ongoing work in this regard. Prime Minister Stuart said that as incoming CARICOM Chairman, he felt it was necessary to speak on the challenges facing the organisation as it moves forward, during his discussions with President Granger. It was pointed out by

He noted that regionally, many seem to focus on what has not yet happened, rather than what has happened, “rather than count our blessings, we count our curses. We want to inject that spirit of optimism back into the regional integration movement, uprooting that spread of alarm and despair that seems to have taken the

Indian High Commissioner to Guyana, Venkatachalam Mahalingam presents Prime Minister of Guyana Moses Nagamootoo with a token the US, through its embassy will be exploring ways in which they can continue to work with Guyana to strengthen democracy and governance, with the new administration. Meanwhile, Musa said too that her discussions with the president were held on some of the UNDP’s initiatives that are ongoing, their progress, and achievement. Most importantly, Ms. Musa said the meeting clearly provided the UNDP with the new administration’s position

the prime minister that as one of founder members of CARICOM, Guyana was instrumental in setting up the Caribbean Free Trade Association in 1965 hence they “also spoke of the importance of keeping CARICOM intact, and building the bilateral relationship between Barbados and Guyana, and kind of reviving the spirit of regional integration”. Prime Minister Stuart was of the opinion that the latter issue, “seemed to be lagging from time to time”.

region in recent times”. The meeting was described by the Barbados leader as very fruitful, and he felt that President Granger was rearing to go, and “the way forward looks bright”. Several members of the Diplomatic Community including Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Jerome Stuart, PC, QC and Cuban Vice President Ulises Rosales del Toro would have also paid courtesy calls on Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Cabinet Ministers get down to business, meet staff PM Nagamootoo meets OPM staff Managers/Directors must be proactive – Minister Patterson

ewly sworn in Prime Minister (PM) Moses Nagamootoo met with staff of the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) and assured them that there will be no witch hunting against any staff member. The PM asked that the staff continue to perform their duties in a professional manner. PM Nagamootoo briefly outlined his vision for the functioning of the OPM and

implored staff that the OPM must be service oriented to the citizens of Guyana. "People come here for service, and we must provide service because we are paid servants to the people. We must not keep people waiting," PM Nagamootoo urged the staff. PM Nagamootoo informed staff that the office will take responsibility for the portfolios of Public Information and Constitutional Reform.

New Legal Affairs Minister, meets staff, urges professionalism

anagers/Directors of the newly renamed Ministry of Public Infrastructure were challenged by the Incumbent Minister, David Patterson, during an interactive meeting at the ministry’s Boardroom on May 22, 2015, to be proactive in how they manage their respective agencies/departments. “This ministry has a lot on its hands. Therefore, it is imperative that Managers continuously engage and connect with their staff and various stakeholders. Effective stakeholders’ engagement is a critical element in successful management,” he charged. “We have to define and defend our mandate.” Minister Patterson also hinted that

there will be a revised structure on how the Ministry tackles roads and sea defence maintenance. He, along with Minister Annette Ferguson, Minister within the Ministry, was briefed on the agencies/departments’ roles, projects and financial performance among other things. In her address to the Managers, Minister Ferguson said she is enthusiastic to work along with the Managers, describing them as the backbone of the Ministry and servants of the people. “We have the nation’s business to look after and we are here to get the job done,” she added.

Social Protection Minister urges her staff to do their best

he newly appointed Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs, Basil Williams, formerly met with the staff of his Ministry on May 22, 2015, in the conference room of the Ministry’s Carmichael Street office. Mr. Williams was sworn in as the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs on Wednesday at the Office of the President (to be renamed the Ministry of the Presidency) by His Excellency, David Granger. In addressing the gathering of employees for the first time, the Attorney General welcomed everyone and reiterated the commitment of President Granger, who had said that his administration would be working in the interest all Guyanese. Mr. Williams articulated, among other things, the need for professionalism by all

Public Servants within the Ministry and outlined that within his remit as the Attorney General, no malice, retribution or ill will shall be expounded on his part to any staff, regardless of their political affiliation, race or religion. He charged the employees of his Ministry to do their work to the best of their abilities and promised to give his best in the performance of his functions. “At all material times I will consider myself to a be a servant of the people of Guyana, and I trust that you will see yourselves, each and every one of you in the same light… I look forward to working with you all, as a team, for the betterment of the Guyanese people in terms of the remit of the Attorney General Chambers and the Ministry of Legal Affairs.” said the Minister.

s the new ministers of the A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government take up office, Minister of Social Protection Volda Lawrence met with the staff of the Ministry, formerly the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security. She urged the employees to always put their best foot forward and take pride in what they do. “Treat this place like your home,” Minister Lawrence reiterated as she urged cleanliness of the environment. Further, she emphasised the fact that the best quality of service must be given to all citizens, even as she urged the staff

to be efficient and honest. “All I ask is that you work diligently, that you take your time and do your work, if you drop the ball, let us know that you drop the ball…” This, the minister said will allow better service to the people, and will also help to improve the image of the Ministry as a whole. With respect to working conditions for employees, she said that the need for improved conditions has been recognised and will be delivered to all staff under her watch. Minister Lawrence said that her expectation is that the Ministry of Social Protection set an example for all the other ministries.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Cabinet Ministers get down to business, meet staff Ministers of Tourism and Business meet sector staff and inspect working conditions

s the new ministers of the Coalition Government are taking up office, Minister of Business Dominic Gaskin and Minister of Tourism Cathy Hughes conducted a walk around and met with the staff of various entities at the National Exhibition Center, Sophia. Among facilities in the compound the two ministers inspected were the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) and the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA). The ministers during their tour also met and interacted with the staff from the various departments of all the institutions. They were given a comprehensive tour

of the GNBS in which they were able to view the various departments and learn about their functions. In a brief comment, the Tourism Minister said, “we had a good opportunity of visiting some of the facilities here at the National Exhibition Site, an opportunity to meet the staff who are very very important.” She added that “it is still early days, but we wanted people to know that we are coming out to get a better understanding… it’s just a start, it’s just the first of other visits of reaching out and seeing into the future.”

Minister Broomes meets with Enmore Sugar Estate workers

uring a visit to the Enmore Sugar Estate, East Coast Demerara on May 29, by Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection Simona Broomes, serious health and safety concerns for the workers were highlighted. “…the condition that they have to work under is really bad and definitely we are going to deal with management. I am going to sit down with the other minister and we are definitely going to be back here,” Minister Broomes said, following an inspection of the estate’s operations. According to Minister Broomes, prior to touring the facility, a meeting with the manager had given the impression that “they were on top of the ball with health and safety,” but coming out and talking to the workers showed a different situation, she said. “Workers being here for three years and not being permanent staff, these are some issues that we have to deal with immediately, and I have asked the senior officer to take some of the genuine concerns and we will prioritise them, we are going to investigate and we are going to come back to the managers and ensure that these requirements will be met,” she said.

Of particular concern for the new Minister was the fact that the men who work in the boiler room were not outfitted with the proper safety and health gear. “...They cannot be facing all that heat like a fireman in a cloth overall, that is very dangerous,” she said. The Minister noted that these men are boiling water mixed with chemicals and must be properly protected as they are faced with all kinds of danger. “They (management) need to tighten on that ... the safety,” the Minister said, adding that, “it is so overwhelming, with the number of complaints, the staff are pleased that now they have a new government and a government that will approach the people and listen to them and not only listen, but definitely find solutions to their problems.”

Public Health Minister visits several health facilities

ewly sworn in Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton has begun a series of engagement with health personnel across the region, on upgrading and improving the delivery of health care to the public. These visits which have also involved inspecting the operations of the regional and other health facilities have seen the Public Health Minister’s reinforcing to the public servants that the A Partnership for National Unity+ Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Administration’s plan is not to "break down and build over or reinvent the wheel," but rather, to improve on what was already established. On May 23, the minister engaged the health personnel attached to the Bartica Hospital and the Four Mile, Riversview and Kartabo Health posts, and he noted that there are shortcomings in the health care system, not only in Bartica, but throughout the country; however, he informed them that the new administration will be working to tackle most of them. "…We can only do so by coming and hearing from you. I as the minister must be looked at by you

as your representative…we have got to work together as Guyanese to better the situation that we have at the moment,” the minister emphasised. The minister mentioned some key priority areas that the administration will be focusing on, such as infant mortality and training of personnel such as radiologists, general surgeons, and internal medical specialists among other specialised areas. Given that suicide is becoming more prevalent in Guyana, Minister Norton said that health institutions ought to play a greater role in helping to tackle this problem by offering counselling. He urged the staff to modify their work ethics and start being their brother’s keeper. “We cannot remain here in Bartica less we become vegetated, we have got to keep our interest in our profession,” he said. Another key area that the administration will be looking at is job satisfaction, ensuring that nurses be paid handsomely based on their qualifications, he added. “We have to look at other things other than being down your throats that you have to get to work at

08:00hrs, we have to look at it holistically, and we have got to take your social welfare into consideration, if not you will not be able to deliver that which we expect of you. This is how we intend to do it. It is time nurses start getting benefits,” Minister Norton pointed out. Meanwhile, whilst visiting the West Demerara Regional Hospital (WDRH) on May 27, Minister Norton disclosed that the new A Partnership for National Unity + Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC) Government will ensure key services such as a 24-hour theater are put in place shortly. The West Demerara Regional Hospital serves as the referral hospital in Region Three, offering medical service to thousands of people residing on the West Coast, West Bank, as well as the Essequibo islands including Leguan and Wakenaam. Minister Norton also interacted with the staff and a number of concerns were raised, including the shortage of drugs and the unavailability of key equipment which force them to refer patients to the GPHC. A visit was also made to the Versailles Health Centre.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Cuba to help salvage Guyana’s sugar industry - PM Nagamootoo-as Cuba’s Minister of Sugar pays him courtesy call

uba will work with Guyana in a joint effort to “help salvage our sugar industry.” This was announced by Prime Minister Moses Nagamooto, following a meeting between himself and Cuban Vice President of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Sugar and Agriculture, Ulises Rosales del Toro, at his office. The Prime Minister explained that part of their discussion was centered on areas of interest, particularly in the field of agriculture including support for Guyana’s sugar

industry. Further, he noted that Guyana will continue to work with Cuba to complete ongoing projects and programmes and thanked the Vice President for all the assistance that Guyana has been receiving from Cuba since 1976, primarily in the area of medicine. In addition, PM Nagamootoo expressed his joy over the fact that the tension between Cuba and the United States of America (USA) is finally “thawing” out. He added that he has met many dignitaries of

Prime Minister Moses Nagamootoo and Cuban Vice President of the Council of Ministers Ulises Rosales del Toro sharing a light moment

Cuba, but it is an honour for him to meet a hero of the Cuban people. Meanwhile via his interpreter, Vice President del Toro said that the two countries will seek to strengthen their relationship which they have established and improved greatly over the years. He added that he was delighted to be in Guyana and share in the country’s independence celebrations. The Minister described the relations between the two countries, and their people as magnificent.

Budget preparations proceeding Public Servants salary apace - Finance Minister Jordan increase will be realised

he newly appointed Minister of Finance Winston Jordan has already begun extensive consultations with high-level ministry staffers with a view to completing and presenting the National 2015 Budget. The minister, who is a highly qualified financial expert, said that he inherited some of the groundwork which was already laid out by the previous sector minister Dr Ashni Singh. These preparations were made based on the previous government’s priorities, but now the focus will be changed to reflect the agenda of the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Administration. Minister Jordan explained that he has spoken to most of his senior staffers, including those from the Statistics Bureau, the Accountant General’s Department, the Bank of Guyana and several others. “They have given me an indication of where we are at, and now I am trying to put that in some kind of framework, to get a preliminary assessment of the state of the economy, and how we, ourselves can begin to set our own targets, for this truncated physical year, and at the same time looking ahead to what we will have to do to frame the budget for 2016”. Asked about Guyana’s economic performance for 2015, Minister Jordan replied that during a transition meeting with his

Minister of Finance Winston Jordan predecessor, he was informed that a growth of 3.9 to 4% is expected. This figure was projected, taking into consideration a full financial year, the minister said. “Seeing that we have some numbers now of the performance in the first almost half of the year, we need to make some projections on what is it is going to be for the next half and come up with some new projections and that is what we are doing right now”. As part of efforts to craft a new structure for the Finance Ministry, Minister Jordan pointed out that a suitably qualified person has been found to head a “Macro Economic Section” that he intended to set up. He said that this was because budgets were being produced without this over-arching framework, within which such major documents should be undertaken. Too often these frameworks have been developed outside of Guyana, he stated, “In other

words, experts come in, mostly from the World Bank, IMF and so on. They come in for short periods and I want to really have the in-house capability to develop this and to be discussing it with these teams when they come in for their annual visits”. It would also be good to have this aforementioned background, in which to develop various projects which the new government may wish to undertake. It will also help with the development of the administration’s strategic medium and long-term plan according to its manifesto, he added. Moving ahead, Minister Jordan is looking forward to full cooperation from the agencies which come under the ambit of the Finance Ministry, and his Cabinet colleagues. He is asking for the general population to have patience. “I know they are clamouring for us to do a whole range of things. In time I know, most if all will be done. I’m asking that they give us this little time, as we begin to put things in place so that these promises that we made can be realised”. The outside date for the National Budget’s presentation to the National Assembly is three months after the convening of the 11th Parliament, around the end of August 2015. The Finance Minister is optimistic, however that this process will be completed long before then, given the implications for the following 2016 National Budget.

ages and salary increase for the nation’s public servants will be a major priority of the new A Partnership for National Unity/Alliance for Change (APNU+AFC). This is in keeping with the coalition’s 100 days plan of action that detailed a raft of measures, Minister of State Joseph Harmon has pointed out, who has pledge that the promise increases “will materialise.” “We believe that (for) a quality public service you have to pay better. They (the public service workers) must be properly rewarded for their work. He said it is the coalition’s opinion that better pay will result in less corruption which would enable the country to become better, as “The increases in the hundred day plan, is a commitment which we gave to all the people who provide public service, which we will provide to get a proper public service.” Money which was previously placed in the Consolidated Fund will furnish the salary increases, according to Harmon. He was at the time speaking during an interview with the National Communications Network, Inc. He said, “We believe there is still a high level of corruption, and if we are able to reduce that, we can find the money to pay. Our economists have looked at the situation very carefully and said to us that we are capable of finding the money for paying these people.” Asked about the Public Pro-

curement Commission, Harmon said this unit will be established as soon as possible. “There is no reason why the Public Procurement Commission cannot be established. We are respectful of our constitution and the ‘no objection’ (as obtained previously) is not what we support.” There are also plans to conduct long overdue Local Government Elections (LGE) according to the Minister of State. He said that “We will announce a date. We had protested in front of parliament and we will name a date, we believe that is an essential plank of our local democracy which will ensure that a more informed electorate will come forward to vote for a party.” During its campaign, the ANPU/AFC touted its Ministerial Code of Conduct, and this Harmon said will be used to hold government ministers accountable for their actions. “We believe that if you are a minister, there must be some kind of code”, he observed, “which monitors the conduct which should be above board, which conforms with international best practices, that say to the people that you are committed to serving them and not yourself. All of the APNU/AFC MPs will subscribe to the code.” Other issues such as the Berbice Bridge toll, the reduction of the president’s pension and the return of the television station to the people of Linden, will be sorted over the coming weeks, he said.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Telecoms, AML Bills high on agenda of 11th Parliament - Minister of State Harmon

he liberalisation of the Telecommunications Sector is set to become a reality with the new administration. Minister of State Joseph Harmon has indicated that the new APNU+AFC administration intends to put on the front-burner the passage of the Telecommunications Bill in the 11th Parliament. Harmon explained that the Bill was on the verge of conclusion, prior to the prorogation of the last Parliament. The Bill which was first introduced in 2011, and revised in 2013, was at the level of Select Committee in the 10th Parliament. It is set to address concerns, including those of the industry’s stakeholders. “When parliament was prorogued, we were on the verge of completing the works in the Special Select Committee for the entire package of legislation… since

the bulk of the work was already done, I think we can have consent on the way forward, to ensure that that happen (the Bill is passed),” Harmon explained. “We have to really move this sector forward. It is important not only to businesses, but to the school children, the people in the education system, so we can have better bandwidth, faster communication with the rest of the world,” he said. He noted that, “it is something that is so unusual, when foreigners come and they want to access the internet and it is so slow, it can hinder them from doing business in the way they want to do it.” Harmon said that the APNU+AFC administration will aggressively push the completion and passage of the Bill. The Bill seeks to create a competitive regime in the Tel-

ecommunications Sector. It provides for an open, liberalised and competitive sector that will be attractive to new market entrants and investors, while preserving the activities of the current participants. By creating this competitive environment for telecommunications, the Bill is expected to result in greater choice, better quality of service and lower prices for consumers. The Bill also specifically addresses the expansion of telecommunication networks and services into un-served and under-served areas, through the institution of a new universal access/universal service programme, in an effort to further national, regional, social and economic development. Meanwhile, Harmon also disclosed that the country will, within the 11th Parliament, join the rest of the countries that have

passed and implemented their Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AMLCFT) Bill. This Bill too was at the level of a Special Select Committee, ready to facilitate amendments put forward by the new administration, when it was in the opposition. These amendments had to do with strengthening the enforcement of the Bill, so as to make it more relevant. “I can say that that (the passage of the AML Bill) is a priority for us,” Harmon said. He said that this is one matter in which the new administration will test the truthfulness and the positions of the opposition, to see if they really want the Bill to pass. “We will put it back on the front burner, and we will let the Guyanese people see that we are going to push aggressively for it,” Harmon said. “We have always

said that we wanted Anti Money Laundering Legislation that was wholesome, that dealt with the mechanisms for enforcement, and we have those things already in the draft before the Special Select Committee. So it is just a matter of getting back there, getting the arguments finished very quickly and getting it (the Bill) before the floor,” he explained. Passage of the internationally-required legislation, emanating out of the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF), a body that is responsible for monitoring the operations of legislation of this type throughout Caribbean, is to achieve effective implementation of and compliance with international recommendations on the prevention and control of money laundering and the combating of the financing of terrorism.

Bartica Hospital to be developed into Suddie Hospital gets a regional facility - Minister Norton ophthalmology equipment

The Bartica Hospital Region Seven set to be upgraded to a regional facility

he new A Partnership for National Unity +Alliance For Change (APNU+AFC) Government is looking at making the Bartica Hospital into a regional facility. This was disclosed by Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, during a visit to the hospital. “We (are) not out here to criticise for the sake of criticism or to break down to build up, but we are here to build up what has been in existence,” Minister Norton explained, even as he gave recognition for what has already been accomplished at the hospital. “Kudos must be given for the appearance of the hospital in general. We can see that efforts were made in the line of hygiene and maintenance of equipment,” he said. “Considering the large catchment area that Bartica really is involved in, I think, the job (health care delivery) is well done here in this area…there is quite a lot that the Bartica community can be contented with,” he added. Minister Norton noted, however that the meetings with the staff did bring to the forefront some of their concerns. He said that the Public Health ministry under his stewardship will see regular meetings with the

staff. “Bearing in mind the different issues that were raised, I could see vast improvement in a short space of time.” Going forward, with the effort at upgrading the facility to a regional one, “we have got to concentrate on the surgical aspect of the hospital,” Minister Norton said. “There is an operating theater, but that does not mean anything if we do not have a surgeon here or surgical cases being done on a regular basis, whether it is cold cases or emergency cases,” he explained. He said that a regional hospital like Bartica will definitely need four main specialist areas; paediatric, internal medicine, gynaecology and general surgery. “With that being available in here, and medical supply, and pharmaceuticals and the general administration, I think that it would put Bartica on a very favourable position in terms of health care,” he said. He said that the mere fact that he was inaugurated just days ago, and he was already visiting health facilities, Dr Norton said that will be his approach of going on the ground to see what is going on, talking to the nurses and other personnel, finding out their issues and receiving suggestions and ideas and trying to solve those problems, he said.

Minister of Public Health, Dr. George Norton, Dr. Celeste Hinds and Representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Kimball Poulson among other members at the handing over of ophthalmology equipment at the Health Ministry’s storage bond, Diamond

epresentatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints have handed over ophthalmology equipment, valued US$32,062 to the Ministry of Public Health, for use at the Suddie Hospital, Region Two. Minister of Public Health, Dr George Norton said that the vision of the ministry is to have citizens outside of Georgetown benefit from the same kind of benefits that those in the city enjoy, and that the donation of the equipment was a step in the right direction. During brief remarks at a simple handing over ceremony at the Health Ministry’s storage bond, Diamond, the Public Health

Minister noted that what is even more rewarding is that Dr. Celeste Hinds, an ophthalmologist stationed at the Suddie Hospital, originates from that area. “That is the idea we want to spread, that she knows the area, she is from the area, she is the best person to go back there and serve …” Dr. Norton pointed out. The church also promised to conduct training in the area of bio-med technicians, which Minister Norton said is very important, because the instruments are sensitive and need regular servicing. Eventually, he said, the training will be extended to the main health institutions across the country.

Representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints, Elder Kimball Poulson, explained that the equipment were made available to the Suddie Hospital, after it was recognised that there was the need for such services at that location. This determination was made during a visit to the institution, he said. He said that this demonstrates the humanitarian side of the church and hopes that it will be used for the benefit of the people. Dr. Hinds expressed gratitude to the church for the equipment, and said that this donation will now allow eye care services to be extended to all Region Two residents.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Criminal neglect is responsible for city’s drainage issues - Minister Patterson

inister of Public Infrastructure David Patterson, following his inspection of several key drainage structures in the city earlier today, has deemed the neglect of the pumps and outfalls as criminal. “There is one stage beyond neglect. I recognise it is criminal, the amount of money we have lost, the man hours, the agriculture… it is almost criminal to neglect them to that extent that it would affect the citizenry of Georgetown,” he said.

Following the recent downpour and subsequent flooding in the city, Government Ministers have been visiting and assessing the city’s drainage. This assessment has shown the shocking state of the drainage system, including the fact that several of the city pumps have been down for a while and that the outfall sluices are heavily silted. At a press conference held at the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Chief Engineer (acting) Ron Eastman explained that six pumps have been down for

Minister of Public Infrastructure, David Patterson and Engineering Consultant, Walter Willis at the Church Street outfall located at Muneshwar’s wharf, where they were observing desilting work

rived at soon and that he will immediately move to get Cabinet’s approval for the release of these funds. Sourcing Funds

Minister within the Ministry of Public Infrastructure, Annette Ferguson, along with Minister within the Ministry of Social Protection, Simona Broomes, making visits to affected areas in excess of one year for that with the Minister’s asreasons including mechani- surance, and with the coopcal, to facilitate repairs to eration of the Mayor, muthe discharge pipes and for nicipality and the business engine related issues. sector, work will be done. Meanwhile Mayor The Ministry is curHamilton Green, who was rently, with support from also present, observed that the National Drainage Irwhile there is a mainte- rigation Authority (NDIA) nance programme, “there working on the short- term is nothing to blame the basis to alleviate the floodCity Council for, they just ing by bringing into opdid not have funds. He ex- eration several of the city’s plained that whilst “the pumps that were reported neglect in the city has been as being down. The Mincriminal…to achieve the istry too has identified integrity of any system, four outfalls for de-silting: money and management Kingston, Lamaha, Sussex are needed which we have and Meadow Bank South. not had for several years.” The cost of this intervenMayor Green added tion is expected to be ar-

The Minister explained that the he hopes that this funding will come out of the Ministry of Finance, but also pointed to the Minister of Finance’s recent report that he still cannot ascertain what is available in the country’s treasury as the monies under the previ-

due to being hamstrung by the one-twelfth of current expenditure restriction on both of the ministries, due to them not having a budget, the Minister said. Special task force

Minister Patterson also reported that a special task force will be put in place to look at the city’s drainage in a holistic manner. He noted that “the Georgetown Water and Sewerage Master Plans are in place, and that “there

A flooded street in South Ruimveldt ous administration were diverted to several budgetary accounts. At present sourcing funds directly from the Ministries of Infrastructure or Agriculture, for the interventions cannot be done,

is no need to reinvent the wheel. We will dust off all the reports and invite stakeholders to get a plan up and running. This task force is not an additional one, and it should be easily effected,” the Minister stated.

Prudent management of forest, extractive sectors main concern, as new administration charts course to combat climate change

ith the realities of climate change becoming more evident, President David Granger said his administration’s policy will be to chart a course that will protect all citizens from some of these realities. Speaking of the challenges of climate change, peculiar to Guyana, the president spoke of the management of the coastal zone and of the forest and extractive sectors. “As you know, much of the coast land of Guyana is below the level of the ocean… and as the oceans rise, there is evidence that the entire coastal zone is under threat.” It is for this reason seawalls were constructed along many coastland areas even though those struc-

tures are under threat, as well. Accompanying that too, the president explained is the issue of drainage and irrigation which continues to be a major challenge. “When the water comes on the land, it has to be removed, and the most efficient way of removing it is mechanical drainage, using pumps and that too is a great challenge, because they are very expensive to operate.” While the cost is high, the President noted that it is important to remove excess water from the land, in an effort to bring relief to citizens. In addition, there will always be Guyana’s susceptibility to variations in climate, as the country has varying ecological and

geographical zones, and thus the differences among the climate on the coastland, the hinterland and the forested zones. “For example, on the coastland, low and flat, the climate is slightly different from the hinterland and the forested mountainous areas, where the rainfall is very heavy in parts of the Amazonian rain forest.” The Head of State went on to explain that in the Deep South region which is located closer to Brazil, there is a completely different landscape that of savannahs which have mainly one lengthy spell of rainfall and another of drought. “When we speak of climate, we are speaking of a very complex geographical phenomenon, it is not one,

and although we don’t have to experience the damage of hurricane, earthquake and volcano, up to a month ago there was drought, now there is a flood.” He added that, “For example, timber, we cut down our trees, it can lead to all sorts of environmental problems, desertification, and to the extent that there is mining, that could lead to contamination of our rivers.” These are other matters that are of great concern to the new administration the president stated, “Because with change in climate, it means that eventually temperature could become hotter and higher, and life in Guyana can become less comfortable. We need the trees; the trees are the lungs of the

earth.” Meanwhile, going forward, President Granger said his administration’s policy will be to chart a course that protects all citizens and continue traditions as far as coastal zone management is concerned, improve sea defences and effectively manage drainage and irrigation networks. While the effects of climate change are not at an alarming rate at present, President Granger said their aim would be to prepare and protect citizens from a catastrophe such as the 2005 floods. Part of this administration's effort will also be to prevent the excessive cutting down of trees, and ensure reforestation in mining areas.

Speaking of funding to address issues deriving from climate change, the president said Guyana has benefitted from funding under the agreement with Norway. He explained that for the administration, the largest expenditure would be to deal with a catastrophic situation if the need arises to relocate coastlanders to inner land. Again, mention was made of the soon to be established Sovereign Wealth Fund which will also aid in combating the effects of climate change. “As we have mentioned before profit from the extractive industry would be used in a Sovereign Wealth Fund so that our children will not have to face the ravages of poverty.”

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Sacking of Shiv Chanderpaul is distressing

- Minister Roopnaraine – manner of his going does no justice to the manner of his performance

inister of Education with responsibility for Sport, Dr. Rupert Roopnaraine has described the ‘sacking’ of veteran Guyanese batsmen Shivnarine Chanderpaul from the West Indies cricket squad as ‘distressing.’ “The manner of his going really does no justice to the manner of his perfor-

who spent over two decades playing for the West Indies. “I think that the response of the Guyana Cricket Board was heartedly robust. It clearly is a decision that we in Guyana feel distressed about. Chanderpaul has for so long been a titan on the cricketing scene in the Caribbean and it is difficult

Minister of Education with responsibility for Sport, Dr Rupert Roopnaraine mance over the years, and what he has meant to us” Minister Roopnaraine said of the un-ceremonial and abrupt end to the cricketing career of Chanderpaul,

right now to even imagine a West Indian team without Chanderpaul,” Minister Roopnaraine said. "…we recognise, we notice in his last two se-

ries that he has not been himself, he has scored less than he normally does, he has been far less reliable, people were getting him out, which was always a great feat when he is playing well,” Minister Roopnaraine acknowledged. The Minister noted however that if the West Indies selectors felt that Chanderpaul was coming to the end of his career, then some appropriate arrangement should have been made for his “final bash.” “If you identify, if you say look, ‘Tiger has had a great run, we are going to miss him, but we know he has to go’, let him leave in a dignified way… make a good preparation for what should have been his final match, so that the West Indian people would have had a chance to salute him in a final farewell. We needed to design something very appropriate, when someone of Chanderpaul’s value leaves the scene; that was not done, and that is what has been most distressing,” he added.” The Minister also said that he does not share the view that Chanderpaul should have simply been kept on to overtake Brain

Guyanese batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul Lara’s record. “I think that Clive Lloyd has been right about that; that is not a good reason. You want to pick your best team to play against Australia, and beat them if you can, at the moment on his current form, he doesn’t make it, but my own feeling is that he should have been sent off on the twilight really in a far more dignified way that pays tribute to what he has contributed,” he said. “What he has contributed has just been gigantic and that should have been acknowledged, recognised and dealt with appropriately. It has not been dealt

with appropriately,” he added. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 40, was unexpectedly dropped from the West Indies squad for the upcoming home series against Australia. Chanderpaul has 11867 runs to his name, including 30 centuries and 66 fifties in 164 Tests. He is also just 86 runs short of Brian Lara’s record for the most ever Test runs for West Indies. Brian Lara himself has berated the West Indies selector and the WICB for seeking to deny Chanderpaul the chance of a final Test series against Aus-

tralia and a fitting farewell from the world of cricket. “This has absolutely nothing to do with runs or number,” Lara told the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian. “It has to do with respect and Chanderpaul has earned the right to say goodbye in an acceptable way. In fact, he should be allowed to do it in his own way.” Lara also contrasted Chanderpaul’s fate with that of retired veteran Indian batsmen Sachin Tendulkar, who was granted a specially scheduled Test series at home against West Indies to end his glorious career.

Visitor arrivals up by 7% -GTA director says figure is accurate

he Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA) has debunked claims that the organisation’s statistics, regarding visitor arrivals in Guyana are “false and misleading”. According to GTA Director, Indranauth Haralsingh the figures are derived from the Management Information System for Tourism (MIST,) that analyses data from the from the Embarkation/Disembarkation (E/D) cards provided by Guyana’s immigration to all incoming and outgoing passengers. Some of the data captured from the E/D card, Harlsingh explained include nationality, country of birth

and residence, length and place of stay, purpose of visit, and gender, and these data are pulled from the country’s main port of entry include from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), Ogle International Airport, Moleson Creek and Lethem, Haralsingh explained. He emphasised that these data are set to the Caribbean Tourism Organisation to ensure accuracy. The director also sought to define the word ‘Visitor,’ noting that Guyanese, who have migrated and returned to, or any non-national, visiting Guyana for one reason or another (business, holiday, wedding or funeral),

Director of the Guyana Tourism Authority (GTA), Indranauth Haralsingh during a press briefing at GTA’s office at the Sophia Exhibition Site, Sophia are visitors. However, a Guyanese resident returning from an overseas visit is not a visitor. “Our data files are

shared with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation so that the organisation can verify the accuracy of the information we sent to

them…the Guyana Tourism Authority only publishes visitor arrival figures,” Haralsingh noted. According to the World Tourism Organisation (WTO), a visitor is a traveller, taking a trip to a main destination, outside his or her usual environment, for less than a year, for any main purpose there, other than to be employed by a resident entity in the country/place visited. A visitor (domestic inbound or outbound) is classified as a tourist if his/ her trip includes an overnight stay, or as same-day visitor or excursionist. Arrivals in Guyana have doubled over the past twelve years, and according

to Haralsingh, this is a remarkable achievement. Visitor arrivals, as of April, went up by 7%, with a total of 66, 495 visitors arriving in Guyana, as against 62, 131, arriving during the same period last year. Guyana recorded a 13.9% increase in visitors during the first quarter of 2015, when compared with the same period in 2014; in fact, March 2015 increased by 26.1% over March 2014. During that period, the United States remained the largest source market with market shares of 39.3 %, followed by the Caribbean, with 24.4% market share. April saw a 6.4% decline in arrivals.

The Guyanese - “Keeping the Diaspora informed”

Guyana’s National Independence Monument – the independence Arch M onuments are of many kinds, since they are built to commemorate either a person or an important event in the historical life of a nation. In reality, they are a sum total of a nation’s past, and stand as a reminder of this, for those present, and those to come. Guyana’s National Independence Monument, more commonly described as the Independence Arch, can be described as one of the nation’s most important national symbol. It was presented to Guyana, by the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) as an

Independence gift, symbolizing the end of an era, while ushering in a new phase of Guyana’s history, that of becoming a nation. Built entirely from Guyana’s mineral resources, bauxite, that was processed into aluminum, and quartz from the Mazaruni River, this arch was designed by Canadian architect Mr. Eric Flack. Its construction was spearheaded by another Canadian, Mr. A. Beck. Majestically standing from a common base, it consists of three tubes that represent the counties of Essequibo, Berbice and Demerara.

On May 22, 1966, before a distinguished gathering, this majestic reminder of Guyana becoming a sovereign nation, was presented to Guyana’s first Prime Minister, Linden Forbes Sampson Burnham, by Mr. J. G. Campbell, at the time managing director of DEMBA. He described the Arch, as “truly Guyanese”. Receiving it from Prime Minister Burnham, Mayor of the City of Georgetown, Mr. Rahaman B. Gajraj, said that the citizens would “treasure the monument”. Its location, at the Eastern end of Brickdam, according to Mr. Aubrey

Barker, Chairperson of the Arch Committee, had been premised at the time on two factors: first because of plans to build a civic and cultural centre on the lands of D’Urban Park, with the “Arch becoming a gateway” to such a centre; and, second, due to Brickdam being located in the oldest section of the City of Stabroek, described as “one of the finest streets in Georgetown”. Mr. Barker went on to opine that it was a ‘fitting location for such a monument, since it “linked our turbulent past, with our exciting future”.

On Sunday, newly sworn in President, Mr. David Granger initiated the restoration of the Inde-

pendence Arch. It has now become an attractive feature on upper Brickdam, equipped with lights.

Civil society groups, business community pitch in on Georgetown beautification project

Part of the ‘Gizmos’ team hard at work Vendors on Water Street and their families did their own bit of contribution to the clean up drive by sprucing up their surroundings

he clean-up of the capital, starting at the Independence Arch on Brickdam, has now spread to several wards across the city, as residents and several private business owners and staffers have come forward to lend their support in the removing of garbage and shrubbery from the city. Upon appointment to office, President David Granger immediately shifted the traditional flag-rais-

ing ceremony on May 26 to the Independence Arch, located on Brickdam, and this led to a rehabilitation exercise to enhance the environs to facilitate the ceremonial exercise. As the effort began at the Arch, simultaneously several Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and business entities supported by volunteers, extended their support in tackling the improper solid waste disposal, which has plagued

the ‘Garden City’ for decades. The business community did not only lend support in terms of money, equipment and other resources, but actually sent out staff to manually contribute to the exercise. Meanwhile, hundreds of Guyanese joining in the efforts were seen sprucing up their neighbourhoods and communities. The residents tackled clogged drains, trenches and the parapets, in their areas.

Mandela Avenue residents doing their own bit in the clean up and beautification exercise.

FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION

Issue No: 18

June 5, 2015

Guyana Postcard

See story on Page 31

The National Independence Monument, on Brickdam, near Vlissengen Road, was a gift to the people of Guyana from the Demerara Bauxite Company (DEMBA) commemorating Guyanaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Independence from Great Britain on May 26, 1966. The monument was recently rehabilitated as part of a symbolic Independence Day observance in honour of Guyana's independence fighters. The restoration of the neglected arch marked the commencement of the rehabilitation of all national monuments, according to new President David A. Granger