Weekend Mirror 12-13 September, 2020

$330B national budget presented 12-13 September, 2020 / Vol. 11 No. 39 / Price: $100

Internet: http: //www.mirrornewsgy.com / e-mail: weekendmirror@gmail.com

PAGES 8-15

$20B to stimulate economy, increase production and generate employment PAGE 8

4,000 free online courses available to Guyanese PAGE 19

President seeks UK help to investigate Berbice murders ‒ UN support to address racial strife on the cards ‒ COI into unrest being mulled PAGE 16

SEE INSIDE

ExxonMobil announces Redtail discovery offshore Guyana PAGE 7

Guyana to benefit from PAGE 23 COVID-19 support, vaccines from Argentina India signals willingness to support re-opening of sugar estates PAGE 2 – Mustapha

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PPP/C gov’t will craft policy and programmes to address racial tension – President assures

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ddressing the issue of racial tension in Guyana requires a collective approach and cannot be dealt with single-handedly by the government. This is the view expressed by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The President said that while a collective approach is needed, he acknowledged that it is the responsibility of the government to create the environment for the issue of racial tension to be addressed.

“The government has a responsibility for charting policies and programmes that reflect the needs and aspirations of all the people of our country… we have to ensure that our public policy and

programmes are designed for all the people of our country and that is a great responsibility of the government and that is what you will see reflected in the way we craft our policy,” he underscored.

The Head of State pointed out that persons on social media need to be responsible in what they post. He noted that in the last 24 hours, he has received over 1,000 post from persons on Facebook posting things that are not only damaging and insensitive, but also border on criminality.

According to the President, those are issues that need to be addressed frontally, adding that strong actions need to be taken for the hate-

ful post and speeches that are being pursued on social media. Dr. Ali also highlighted that addressing the issue of race requires maturity from every stakeholder.

“We will address the issue through our policies and programmes. We intend to put into place a youth advisory council and a major component of the terms and reference of the youth advisory council is to work on race relations. To create a new culture, a new environment, a new sense of purpose to go out there in at-risk communities and to develop a framework of actions that the government can pursue to help at risk communities,” the President underscored.

India signals willingness to support re-opening of sugar estates – Mustapha

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uyana Agricultural and General Workers’ Union (GAWU) General Secretary, Mr. Seepaul Narine, along with other officials from that Union and the National Association for Agricultural Commercial and Industrial Employees (NAACIE), recently, met with Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha, to discuss several issues and areas of collaboration between Government and the Union, one of those being the reopening of the closed sugar estates.

During their discussion, Minister Mustapha indicated that Government remains committed to its manifesto promise of opening the estates.

“We are working assiduously to reopen the estates. There is a task force currently working to assess the current state of the closed estates. I’ve also engaged the Indian High Commissioner and he has expressed his Government’s willingness to assist with this. We recognize the economic and social benefits of having the estates open and we will be putting all of our efforts forward to ensure everyone who benefited from those estates will soon be able to enjoy those benefits once more,” Minister Mustapha said.

Mr. Seepaul Narine, openly welcomed the statements made by the honourable Minister, adding that diversification is needed if the industry to become profitable. “I’m happy you spoke about your dialogue with the Indian Government because one of the things we can look at, in the future, is to engage the Indian government

to acquire equipment to assemble factories at these estates.

The factories do not have to be as big as the ones that were closed. In fact, the project can be more about making an entire complex, where Government can set up a distillery and explore the production other feasible things from the sugarcane like of animal feed, organic compost, etc. You can also look at the packaging, branding and marketing of molasses. There is a favourable market for it, especially in Europe, since people are cooking with cane-sugar molasses rather than cassreep.

These are all ways in which the industry can diversify and become profitable,” Mr. Narine said. Narine further advised that Government should explore areas like cogeneration and the use of the bagasse and other bi-products of sugar cane that are usually discarded in the production of sugar.

Minister Mustapha informed the officials that as a result of his meeting with the Indian High Commissioner, two technical officers from India will be coming to Guyana to assist government with the diversification process. “As a matter of fact, I recently submitted the Terms of Reference (TOR) and they (the Indian Government) will be sending two specialists to assist with the re-organization of the industry.

This is the first step. I’ve also discussed acquiring the equipment necessary to assemble factories at estates that were closed. Many of the factories were left as empty shells and in order for us to reopen those

estates we need to replace all of the equipment. The High Commissioner was very interested and we will have further discussions on it soon,” Minister Mustapha said.

The Minister also assured the officials that he is looking forward to working with GAWU to revamp the entire sugar industry. “Rest assured, I am willing to work with the Union. I need your help and guidance as stakeholders and together we will revamp the entire sugar industry. I think that we are in exciting times and with the vision we have, we can manage these estates and get people back to having gainful employment. The first goal is to ensure that we reopen, re-employ people and we come to a breakeven point,” Minister Mustapha said.

As it relates to issues of management in GuySuCo, Minister Mustapha assured the officials that the ‘top-heavy’ attitude and improper dissemination of information to workers will soon be a thing of the past.

Minister Mustapha also took the opportunity to congratulate Mr. Narine on his recent appointment as a Member of Parliament.

Also present at meeting were MoA Director General, Madanlall Ramraj; NAACIE and Federation of Independent Trade Union of Guyana (FITUG) General Secretary, Dawchan Nagasar; other officials from GAWU and NAACIE – Gordon Thomas, Rikhram Srikishen, Rickey Rambeer, Aslim Singh and Porandatt Narine.

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Ali vows to rebuild, strengthen and reorganise sugar industry in comprehensive way P resident Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has affirmed his Government’s commitment to ensuring the survival of the sugar industry by implementing a comprehensive strategy.

“The approach to the sugar industry is one in which we have to bring back three of the estates into operation; this would require capital investment, field investment and infrastructure investment. Even if the ultimate goal is to have a right business mix whether it is a public-private partnership or private investment in these estates, the asset and the industry itself must be of concern and be optimised to realise the full value and potential,” President Ali said.

The Head of State noted that the survival of the sugar industry depends heavily on Government intervention at this time. He also reminded that the former Administration failed to conduct a socio-economic study on the viability of the industry before closing the estates.

“When we are talking about the sugar industry, we are not talking about the financial viability alone. We have to look at the economic and social impact of the industry and the communities.

We have seen the tremendous impact on the communities in which these estates were

closed,” the President said.

In this regard, the Head of State said his Administration has commenced a review of how the $30 billion syndicated bond, which was acquired by the Coalition Government to keep the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) afloat, was utilised.

“We must recall that a bond of $30 billion was raised specifically for the sugar sector. We are now in the process of assessing how these resources were spent but surely, from what we have seen so far, there was inefficient use of the resources in relation to the sugar industry itself,” he said.

President Ali also said the assets of the Wales Estate were completely dismantled and taken away. Given this reality, his Administration is discussing the creation of a Development Authority which would become a business incubation and support model.

“This will include the workers who lost their jobs in creating a modular investment programme to support new industries, agro-industries, new areas of agriculture development and sustainable livelihoods,” President Ali assured.

This he said would be subject to a special investment incentive and regime that will stimulate investors’

interest and create a pull factor for capital. The Head of State reminded that his Government remains committed to the re-opening of the estates and assured that it will take the necessary steps, make the necessary interventions and earmark resources aimed at reviving the industry and putting the people back to work.

“Surely this would require support from the treasury, but when one examines the wider ranging impact of this support on community life, agriculture, drainage and irrigation, economic and social impact, it is clear that the budgetary support from the treasury would have a deeper impact on overall health of your economy and the communities,” President Ali noted.

The President used the opportunity, when he visited the communities across several villages in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne area) on Tuesday, to reassure that the residents who rely on the production of sugar for jobs will soon find themselves back at work. He also assured the residents of Wales that despite the state of the Estate, they will also be afforded employment opportunities and will not be left out of future revitalisation plans.

First Lady leads discussion on tourism development in Georgetown

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he First Lady of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Arya Ali, on Thursday (September 3, 2020) met with representatives from the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana (THAG) and Seawalls and Beyond, to solicit ideas and offer support for the development of tourism in Georgetown.

The meetings were attended by Ali, President of THAG, Mr. Mitra Ramkumar and representatives of Seawalls and Beyond, Mr. Dwayne Hackett, Mr. Darrell Carpenay, Mr. Carl Melville, Savita Balkaran, and Ron Smith.

Ramkumar shared that the tourism industry continues to struggle amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, since the country’s airports remain closed. However, he said that efforts are being made during this time on the part of THAG and other local tourism bodies to strengthen the local tourism capacity by developing tourist hubs round the city.

One area identified as a potential hotspot for tourists is the seawalls, which has been given much attention over the last few weeks, after local group, Seawalls and Beyond, embarked on a major restoration project.

The First Lady was informed by both groups that some of the immediate challenges which need to be addressed are: improved solid waste disposal; improved policing of the area; improved lighting; regularization of vending; and the introduction of a fresh water source. “We will immediately commence and facilitate discussions with agencies like the Georgetown City Council, the Guyana Police Force and relevant Ministries to see how best we can develop workable solutions to these problems,” the First Lady said.

Having been made aware of these challenges, Ali committed to engaging the relevant authorities and agencies to have

them addressed.

Beyond the seawalls, she highlighted that her National Beautification Project will rely on scenic conservation to safeguard the scenic qualities of Guyana’s roadways, urban spaces, and countryside; while simultaneously creating a more environmentally-friendly society. She explained that plans are currently underway by her office to identify spaces for eco-friendly parks in each administrative region, and to embark on an ongoing national tree planting exercise.

To complement these efforts, the First Lady also articulated her vision of improving local culture by providing support for the creative and performing arts. “One of the things that I wish to facilitate is the reintroduction of the performing arts at the Seawall Bandstand. This will not only support the creative industry, but provide economic opportunities,” she said, adding this will be replicated in other areas.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

PPP/C gov’t aims to reduce energy cost by 60% – hydropower project back on the agenda

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resident Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has said that his government is committed to significantly reduce energy rates within the next three years.

“The objective here is to bring down the cost of energy in three years’ time by almost sixty percent. We must have a net surplus of energy; enough energy to develop a proper manufacturing and processing sector, whilst we bring down the cost of that energy by almost sixty percent,” the President stated.

The Head of State was at the time addressing the 28th Annual General Meeting of the Private Sector Commission (PSC) on his government’s plans for creating an environment that is more conducive to businesses in Guyana.

In addition to having better energy solutions, focus will also be on delivering

timely permit approvals, the President stated.

“The time to get business registrations, electricity connection, water connections; these are what some may consider soft issues but issues that are inhibited to Private Sector growth and development and frustrating to investors coming into Guyana,” the Head of State pointed out.

To boost development, the President said that sustainable energy solutions will be adopted, including the reintroduction of a hydropower project.

“We need to address the issue of energy and the cost of energy. So, we’re committing to have the hydro-project back on the agenda, supported by a natural gas facility and also alternative energy programme for the hinterland and riverine communities.”

The president explained that talks have been ongoing with the Indian Government for a $US10M programme in the hinterland, as his Administration continues to bridge the gap between hinterland and coastal communities.

To further foster private sector development, a single window system for permit approvals, which will require legislative and institutional change, is on the front burner.

The approval timeline for construction permits will be shortened from the current slothful period of one year to at least three months.

President Ali assured that the Government is focused on positive Private Sector development. “My Government will facilitate a more robust Private Sector. That brings new investments, expanded production, increased exports, improved competitiveness and stimulates innovation.”

JFAP second political party to withdraw support from APNU

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ix months after the March 2020 Elections, the Justice For All Party (JFAP) has officially withdrawn from the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU).

A letter signed by General Secretary of JFAP Savitree Singh Sharma to David Granger, Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR) – the biggest party in APNU – said, “Guyana’s political landscape is changing significantly and it demands a re-examination of roles and relationships.”

The letter is dated September 1, 2020.

Last month, the JFAP criticized the APNU leadership. In a statement, JFAP General Secretary, Savitri Sharma, accused Granger and the PNC of using and discarding the smaller parties. “We feel that we were used when they needed us, and now that they don’t need us, they kicked

the small parties out under the pretext of saying that we are cardboard parties.

We were the parties which caused APNU to go into Government. If we were not there, APNU would not have been in Government.

So, they stood on our backs to climb to where they were, and now that they got there, they don’t have need for the support there any longer,” Sharma said. JFAP, which is led by Chandranarine Sharma, had a seat in the last Parliament, which his son Jaipaul Sharma occupied.

Mrs Sharma said that, as a member of the APNU, their party was never consulted in the crafting of the list, and several correspondences to the PNC went unanswered.

JFAP is the second to leave APNU. The Working People’s Alliance (WPA) – a member of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) – withdrew its support for the David Granger-led Coalition.

In a letter to Granger, WPA Secretary Tacuma Ogunseye said that, since the formation of APNU, there has been an active sidelining of the smaller parties. That has caused the WPA to, on many occasions, air its grievances both internally and publicly.

The WPA said violation of the principles of Coalition politics has threatened to dismantle the APNU on several occasions, but very little have been done to address it. “In other words, we have had to live with PNC’s decisions being imposed on the rest of the APNU. Unfortunately, although the Coalition is now out of power, nothing has changed for the better within the APNU,” the letter stated.

Granger – who is also leader of the PNCR – was told that his Party’s behaviour leaves much to be desired, since it continued to make major APNU decisions without proper consultations.

Guyana and Brazil commit to completion of ongoing road link project

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mbassador of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Her Excellency Maria Clara Duclos Carisio, engaged Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, recently and pledged her country’s support in the continued advancement of bilateral relations.

Further, the Ambassador conveyed that the President of Brazil, His Excellency Jair Bolsonaro, expressed interest in the ongoing dialogue between the two countries and, through that engagement, expanding the agenda on cooperation. She pointed out that

Brazil’s Economy Minister, Mr. Paulo Guedes, had also publicly expressed his eagerness i n the project to extend the road to Georgetown.

In his turn, Minister Todd expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Carisio for Brazil’s continued support to and cooperation with Guyana. He noted that the infrastructural project to connect the Lethem to the coast by road would be of mutual benefit to both States. “We are happy to have Brazil as a neighbor, the Foreign Minister stated.

“The kind -hearted nature of Brazilians is on display

as the country continues to support its neighbors during this pandemic,” Minister Todd added.

Furthermore, he added, “We look to Brazil’s leadership in terms of protecting territorial sovereignty and integrity.”

Ambassador Carisio and Foreign Minister Todd also agreed to further explore cooperation in trade, health, and technical cooperation, among other areas.

The Cooperative Republic of Guyana and the Federative Republic of Brazil established diplomatic relations on August 26, 1968.

Prime Minister leads hamper distribution in Kingston

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rime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips, his wife, Mrs. Mignon Phillips, distributed 100 hampers to vulnerable residents of Kingston, Georgetown. The hampers were donated to the Government for distribution, by the Muslim Youth Organisation of Guyana (MYOG).

The Prime Minister said the hampers contain food supplies that will allow a family of four to prepare balanced meals for at least one month.

“As we prepare the Budget, we recognise we have vulnerable families in Guyana because of COVID-19 and because of poverty in general, and it is our plan to address not only the vulner-

able communities… but to address poverty on the whole in a comprehensive manner in Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

The Prime Minister said the distribution will be done nationwide and will continue until year-end to compliment other planned relief measures. He also said the Government will be working to swiftly resuscitate the One Laptop per Family project to facilitate distance learning during the pandemic as well as ensuring the airing of educational programmes on television.

Councillors of the City of Georgetown, Mr. Bishram Kuppen and Mr. Dwayne Adams, and Regional Dem-

ocratic Councillor of Demerara-Mahaica, Mr. Desmond Morian also attended the distribution exercise. Mr. Kuppen, recalling the outreach led by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali and First Lady, Mrs. Arya Ali, on Sunday, August 30, 2020, said he is pleased to seethe Central Government leading the relief interventions for vulnerable persons. “We have 15 constituencies in Georgetown, and most of the vulnerable communities, the neighbourhoods, they are suffering right now. We’ve received many calls… so the Government outreach is quite welcomed and this is something I’m very happy for as a City Councillor,” he said.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

EDITORIAL

Real leaders are forged in times of crisis s the country goes through its current crisis, one that has seen A violent protests, one has to question the leadership coming from the APNU+AFC Coalition.

Every decent minded Guyanese is horrified and have denounced the killings of the two youths in Region 5. The killings of these two boys – Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry – could have only be done by a person or persons with sick minds.

President Irfaan Ali and the Minister of Home Affairs, Robeson Benn, have instructed the police to work assiduously to identify the perpetuators of this abominable act, to find out the reason for the act and to see that justice is served. The President has also rightfully recognized the pain and anger being felt by the relatives and friends of the two boys. This anger and pain is felt by all Guyanese, which is evidenced by the statements being made by all groups throughout Guyana. The government has also recognized the people’s right to peaceful protest as they call upon the authorities to ensure justice is achieved.

Unfortunately, the protests in Regions 5 and 6 have not been peaceful and we have witnessed over the past few days the situation descending into anarchy. We have seen the burning and looting of vehicles and buildings. We have seen innocent citizens being beaten, robbed and sadly killed, as those protesting the deaths of the two boys engaging in acts that are on par with was done to the two boys.

We therefore now have an untenable situation that has developed and we have seen the potential for this to spread to other parts of the country. Recognising this, action has been taken by the PPP/C leadership – action that ranges from direct engagements between government officials and those aggrieved to the President’s move to engage the United Kingdom (UK) and the United Nations (UN) to help Guyana move past this difficult period.

Sadly, however, in this time of crisis, instead of working to quell the situation and to call for calm, the two top leaders of the APNU+AFC Coalition – David Granger and Joseph Harmon – have only exacerbated the situation. They have attempted to equate the deaths of the two youths and the subsequent protest as a struggle against the PPP/C government. They have basically sought to turn this tragedy into a racial and political struggle. This level of depravity is beyond the pale.

No one who aspires to be a leader of a country would want that country to descend into anarchy and for its citizens be fighting amongst themselves. In this scenario no one wins. Only a selfish and uncaring person would seek to create that type of situation.

The leaders of the opposition would do well to heed the words of Martin Luther King, who stated that: ‘It would be both cowardly and immoral for you patiently to accept injustice….but as you continue your righteous protest…be sure that the means you employ are as pure as the end you seek. Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press on for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using love as your chief weapon. Let no man pull you so low that you hate him.

Always avoid violence. If you sow the seeds of violence in your struggle, unborn generations will reap the whirlwind of social disintegration’.

In the APNU+AFC Coalition ranks, Chairman of the PNC, Volda Lawrence, has struck a different tone from Granger and Harmon, calling for an end to the violence, while echoing the position of President Ali that justice must be served.

Further, the ranks of the Disciplined Force must be commended for their exercise tremendous restraint in dealing with these protests. However, they are mandated to keep the peace in this country and should the protest continue to be violent they must act decisively. No person has the right to deny any citizen the right to traverse the length and breadth of this country. Persons must feel free to travel without having to be fearful for their wellbeing.

The leaders of this country from both sides of the aisle must all speak with one voice and condemn what has been taking place over the last week. This includes the deaths of the two youths, and the subsequent violent actions after, including the killing, injuring and robbing of innocent persons, whose only crime is daring to be on the road.

Whilst we condemn those who killed the boys and those who are engaging in violent protests we must equally condemn those who are encouraging the violent protest , who believe in some macabre way that it would further their political ambitions. Those despicable individuals should be investigated and prosecuted for the roles they are playing as they are just as responsible as the persons who are carrying out the acts.

The PPP/C continues to demonstrate real leadership during these crisis – recognizing that when one of us hurts, we all hurt.

As a people, we must ensure that at all times we allow the law to take its course. The government is working to ensure that all the crimes are investigated fully and all who are guilty will suffer the consequences and justice will be served.

In the meantime, peace must prevail.

Necessary to deal condignly with all involved in electoral fraud Dear Editor,

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everal senior staff members of the Secretariat of the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) are presently facing serious criminal charges for electoral fraud. Officers of Guyana Police Force have arrested Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, his Assistant Duarte Hetsberger, Region 4 Returning Officer (RO) Clairmont Mingo, among others. The actions come as a part of the necessary serious investigations into their roles in the wicked coup and blatant public attempts to rig the results of the March 02, 2020 General and Regional Elections.

At this point, the Police have made some arrests, and a few of the GECOM officers are already charged and placed before the courts, based on alleged breaches revealed by the ongoing investigations. Clearly, this is just the tip of the iceberg. It is hoped that these investigations will result in drag-netting all those involved in the ‘coup d’état’ of the will of the Guyanese people. What is also pellucid is that forces external to GECOM corroborated with the daylight banditry which took place, and had to be first arrested by opposing parties contesting the elections, supported by the local observers and the international community.

Many have argued that the Guyana Police Force should have acted before in addressing the glaring public defiance of these officers who have callously and openly defied the Orders of the Commission as well as that of the courts. Of course, criminal charges in relation to Clairmont Mingo were laid before the High Court, and withdrawn much to the angst of most Guyanese. It is now vital for the actions to be swift and deterring to all similar contemplated approaches in the future.

One could also now see the wisdom of the actions of Mr. Nandlall, who may not have had all the required evidence informing his withdrawal of the case against Clairmont Mingo, particularly given the recent revelations of defense of the illegality from the likes of Vincent Alexander and leaders of APNU/AFC.

It is note that the people of Belladrum are being rile-up to suppress the truth, and this more than ever demands a thoroughness of actions to reveal the wider network and truth.

It is known that the Guyana Police Force received formal Reports, alleging ‘criminal conduct’ by Lowenfield and Mingo and others in relation to the Elections and the events that followed the Regional and National Elections.

Lowenfield was slapped with private criminal charges for fraud, misconduct in office, and breach of public trust, after private citizens filed the charges.

There is also much justification for the interventions from the Director of Prosecutions, Ms. Shalimar Ali-Hack, who has indicated that in the exercise of powers vested in her under Article 187 of the Constitution, she would take over the private criminal charges currently pending against Lowenfield in the Magistrates Courts.

The widely publicized putrid actions of Clairmont Mingo, like Keith Lowenfield’s, inform of the planned blatant attempts to rig by using changes of the true result of the Statements of Poll Tabulation in Region 4. This was done in favour of the APNU/AFC for the National and Regional Elections.

Video and other forms of evidence confirm that the verification process in this Region was going smoothly until Mingo introduced false spreadsheets and used his staff to call out unverified results in a blatant attempt to rig the Elections for the APNU/AFC. Further, the rigging declaration made by Mingo was subsequently set aside by Chief Justice Roxane George following several attempts to force unverified and unqualified counterfeit down the throat of the representatives of contesting parties and the attending observers.

Of note, the only political party representative affixing a signature to the concocted false spreadsheet declarations appeared to be the signature of PNC’s Volda Lawrence. However, all the political parties, along with the Observation Missions, vehemently and correctly opposed and rejected the false

declaration, justifying that the fictitious results lacked credibility and transparency. Mingo’s wicked attempt, along with others, to rig the Elections led to the Caribbean Leaders’ intervention and ultimately the Recount.

Although the recount exercise proved beyond a shadow of doubt that the PPPC list led by now President Irfaan Ali had overwhelming won these elections, CEO Keith Lowenfield then sought unilaterally to invoke his own brand of subterfuge in attempting to twist the results in favour of APNU/ AFC. In so doing, he flagrantly twisted and defied not only rational evidential facts, but openly defied the rulings of the local Judiciary and the Caribbean Court of Justice, although he had to be aware of the final position of the Statements of Poll. Meanwhile, supporters of the APNU/AFC worked relentlessly to propagandise the nation that the current laws supported the illegality.

Shame on this cabal! Although due process will and must be followed, what boggles the mind is why are these clearly corrupt Officers still on the job at this time? It resulted in Guyanese being forced to go through five months of waiting for Elections results in a time of another threatening global health pandemic, with none of our international partners willing to help, given the high fraudulence and breakdown of democracy.

The situation justifies urgent actions towards radical reforms to rid all possibilities of rigged elections in the future.

As such, it is appropriate and necessary to deal condignly with all involved once and for all. They have breached our Constitution, appendaged laws, and shattered the confidence of our people and partners.

This repeats our call for GECOM to be audited in the most thorough way.

It is hoped that at the end of it all, the nation will have an Elections Commission with officers and a system of which we could be proud.

Sincerely, Neil Kumar

Reopening estates will be costly but worthwhile Dear Editor,

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he PPP/C administration must be commended for the decision to reopen the sugar estates closed by the previous Granger administration. This is a step in the right direction and will certainly will go a far way in terms of resetting the economy along more people-oriented and sustainable lines.

I had argued in several letters in the media that the closure of the estates was a retrograde step which will have an adverse impact not only on the lives and well-being of sugar workers but on the economy as a whole. By closing down grinding factories, and a process of cannibalization

and mismanagement, the previous administration had in effect transformed assets into liabilities. Billions of dollars have been allowed to go down the drain not to mention the severe social and sociological consequences on people and communities.

It would take a significant injection of resources to bring back these estates into operation but I am convinced that it would be money well spent. Any cost-benefit analysis of the sugar industry will reveal that the benefits of keeping the industry operational outweigh by far the costs incurred, even when consideration is taken of current market prices for sugar. The challenge facing the industry is to produce sugar at lower unit cost and to become

much more competitive as a supplier of sugar on the world market. As it currently stands, the ratio of tons cane to tons sugar (TC/TS) is far too high and must be significantly lowered if the industry is to be restored to financial viability. The same is true for tons cane per acre which also needed to be substantially increased.

The industry is currently experiencing severe stress, but with better management and the right policy framework, there could be a change in fortunes and with it the dawn of a better day for those who depend on the industry for a living.

Yours faithfully, Hydar Ally

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

GuySuCo heading to its worst production in history Dear Editor, he GAWU among the matters it raised with Minister of Agriculture, Zulfikar Mustapha expressed its deep concern regarding the ongoing 2020 second sugar crop. The Union shared with the Minister that based on the emerging trend, the Guyana Sugar Corporation Inc (GuySuCo) would not be able to realize this year’s revised and lowered sugar production target.

To put the production into context, the sugar company at the beginning of the year said it would produce 114,162 tonnes sugar – 46,475 tonnes in the first crop and 67,687 tonnes in the second crop. The Corporation, in a press statement on July 27, 2020, admitted that it only managed to produce 37,015 tonnes sugar during the first crop, a deficit of 9,460 tonnes sugar.

It sought to whitewash its failure by disclosing that it was unable to harvest some 66,000 tonnes of canes. That quantum

of canes, based on the Corporation’s data, could have only produced 5,080 tonnes sugar. That information points out clearly, in our view, that the GuySuCo did not have the canes in the first place to produce and meet its first crop target and, we hold,that Corporation engaged in an exercise of deception.

Turning to the second crop, after some revision, the GuySuCo informed that it will produce 69,480 tonnes sugar. If GuySuCo’s data is utilized, the Corporation should have a second crop target of 72,767 tonnes sugar (67,687 + 5,080) however, the projected target is 69,480 tonnes or a reduction by 3,287 tonnes (72,767 – 69,480). While GuySuCo, may seek to offer an explanation for the variation, we turn to the present-day situation.

As at this morning (September 03, 2020), the industry for the crop, now in its fifth week, has produced 9,519 tonnes sugar of which 1,326 tonnes were produced in this current week.

The Corporation’s major problem continues to be the lack of quality canes in its fields.

Our information indicates that in as much as cane yields, expressed as tonnes cane per

hectare (TcH), continues to be nearly at or above budget we see cane quality, expressed as the tonnes cane to tonne sugar (Tc/Ts), woefully under budget.

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We believe the data is instructive and points out that, though, the Corporation is apparently producing higher quantities of canes; those canes do not have the sucrose content that is expected. At the

end of the day, the company is in the business of producing sugar however, the data suggests that the cane crop has considerably higher fiber (bagasse) than normal.

Should these numbers hold it would mean that GuySuCo would produce 77,878 (37,015 + 40,863) tonnes sugar for year 2020. To put this into context, Albion Estate in 2002 produced by itself 67,916 tonnes sugar. We are nevertheless hopeful that the situation can improve and improve drastically in the coming weeks. As we consider what is transpiring, it is apposite to point out that the canes harvested now, have been planted and nurtured in 2019 and first half of 2020. The fruits of those efforts are now being reaped. Clearly, it appears to us that there was inadequate or improper crop management for which detailed explanations must be provided. It seems to us that a lackadaisical attitude has percolated deep into the psyche of those charged with managing the Corporation.

That attitude seemingly continues until now since no estate has tilled even one (1) square foot of land although harvesting operations are ongoing for one (1) month now.

Tilling and subsequent planting are critical operations for the industry to regenerate and produce cane and sugar effectively and efficiently. The absence of such crucial work either by design or accident tells its own tale and demonstrates that all is not well.

It seems to us that there is really no effort by the Corporation’s leadership to aggressively and meaningfully address the challenges.

Rather it appears that the laid back attitude has taken grip in the organization’s structure because the perennial whipping boys such as strikes and bad weather are the identified causes for non-achievement of targets at end of crops. Clearly, as the data bears out, the problem is much more fundamental and there appears no emphasis to meaningfully address those realities but rather to engage in a vicious cycle which serves to push the industry further down the path of unsustainability.

It sadly brings into focus the commitment of those entrusted with the Corporation’s leadership, many of whom championed and enabled estate closures resulting in massive layoffs. Today, all the talk about a smaller, efficient and resilient Corporation stands nakedly exposed and is yet another indicator that those at the helm cannot be entrusted with the responsibility and authority to retrieve the company from its present morass.

Sincerely, Guyana Agricultural and General Workers Union (GAWU)

Harmon’s sheer mischief to mislead exposed Dear Editor,

A

headline and an article in one of the newspapers on Saturday September 5, 2020 triggered a response by newly elected Opposition Leader, Mr. Harmon, on behalf of the APNU+AFC Coalition. Ironically it was the same day that yet another political party withdrew from the APNU, now reduced to the PNC and two non-existent parties- National Front Alliance and the Guyana Action Party ( neither existed even before the 2015 elections) -and the badly battered AFC. The APNU+AFC Coalition statement

by Mr. Harmon appears to be premature and precipitous.

Firstly, let me state that there are over 100 boards to be appointed and only 5 so far have been appointed by the new government.

In the interest of inclusivity and participatory democracy, these five boards include members of the new political parties, civil society as well as individuals who have supported the PNC. This trend will continue as other boards are appointed.

Let me say that the supporters of the PNC/ APNU/AFC Coalition deserve to be represented and included at all levels of society, and, they will be, as the PPPC government

restores political and economic stability and rolls out its transformative projects to put Guyana back on track for all Guyanese.

When Mr. Harmon asserted that: “Where the law does not specify Opposition participation, the Government is obliged to include the Opposition in the interest of transparency and accountability…” He seems to have conveniently forgotten that boards were appointed by his government as late as July 2020 for the next 3 years. This was after the results of the recount on June 9 2020 were known that the PPP/C had won the elections. Wasn’t this a willful and deliberate move to undermine the new government with boards that were overwhelming stacked with APNUAFC activists and supporters?

Inexplicably Mr. Harmon’s thought processes did an illogical leap to interpret my comments, as reported by the SN reporter, to mean that where the law requires the Opposition representatives to sit on a board that the PPPC would not comply. Further, he went on to state that “it would mean that it, the illegitimate PPP, can ignore statutory demands of mutual agreement and proceed to unilaterally appoint a substantive Chancellor, Chief Justice and a new Chairman of the Guyana Elections Commission.”

That is sheer mischief to mislead; Mr. Harmon needs to be reminded that as the Opposition Leader he now holds a constitutional position which carries with it greater responsibilities and requires principles and values in the interest of the nation.

The track record of the PPP/C in government demonstrates that it did abide by the constitutional provisions in regards to appointments to constitutional posts as well as where the law required representation by the Parliamentary Opposition, and further the Opposition were offered seats on boards which were not stipulated.

In contrast, I could name example after example where the APNU+AFC Coalition violated these very premises, he, and the APNUAFC Coalition, now vociferously advocate.

They want to forget, and, verily believe that the Guyanese people have also forgotten what the APNU+AFC in government put them through over the last 5 years, as well as over the last 20 months since the successful passage of the No Confidence Motion, including the long drown period of March 2August 1, 2020 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The PNC-led APNU+AFC Coalition

leadership regrettably by its own actions--no one else’s--lost the moral authority to lecture anyone on the law, constitution, and customs and practices with regards to the appointments of boards and appointments to constitutional posts.

Do they believe that the Guyanese people are so fickle as to forget that it is the head of the APNUAFC Coalition, President Granger, that appointed the Chairman of the GECOM in October 2017 in violation of the Guyana Constitution and continued to perpetuate this violation until the Caribbean Court of Justice on June 18th 2019 ruled that the appointment of retired Justice Patterson by the President was flawed and unconstitutional? Furthermore it is the APNU+AFC Coalition that holds the record of being a serial offender of violations of the Constitution as adjudicated by the Guyana courts – violation of art 106 no confidence motion, interference in the Public Service Commission and the Police Service Commission, revocation of farmers’ leases, appointment of technocratic ministers in violation of the constitutional provisions from 2015 to 2019 while these Ministers continued in office and received their salaries and benefits even after the court finally ruled (Turn to page 6)

6

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Criminal investigation into the workings, actions of the GECOM Secretariat must be vigorously pursued Dear Editor,

G

iven the assertions in the APNU/AFC electoral petition, whether true or false, Guyana has to completely change the way we conduct our elections. Every safeguard and mechanism used in the March 2020 poll has been discredited by APNU/AFC leadership, and it is difficult to envision credible elections soon, given the clouds of doubt created in the minds of APNU/AFC supporters about the sanctity of the process.

This perception therefore necessitates changes, including the introduction of new processes and safeguards to the way we conduct polls in the national interest.

The sight of former President Granger waiting for hours in blazing sunshine outside the Georgetown Magistrates Courts to give Mr Mingo ‘high-fives’ after the GECOM returning Officer was placed on bail for four counts of electoral fraud is the surest sign that the Guyana Elections Commission Secretariat is compromised, and must be reformed as a matter of urgency.

It has been noted that the top eighty-five members of the Secretariat are of one ethnic-

ity, and despite the majority being persons of great and unimpeachable integrity, a few rotten apples threaten to spoil the barrel. The pronouncement made by GECOM’s PRO on the 27th December 2018, indicating readiness to conduct polls within the prescribed 90-day timeframe following a successful no-confidence motion (as dictated by the Constitution), and the subsequent reversal of that position demonstrate clear political direction and interference in the work of the Secretariat.

There can be no contemplation of another election (local, regional or national) before a thorough review and reform of the GECOM Secretariat is undertaken.

APNU/AFC created massive doubts about the National Register of Registrants (NRR) in the effort to delay the constitutionally mandated elections. The system is that of continuous registration, wherein persons can/should register at any time after reaching the age of 14, and names are removed by GECOM after notification of death by the General Registrar’s Office.

During the lead-up to the March 2020 polls, the National Register of Registrants

PNC’s stranglehold on country’s legislature has ended Dear Editor,

W

ith 31 seats in the National Assembly, the PNC are at it again; it is their intention to use those seats to frustrate the government of the PPP/C at every available turn.

It is vintage PNC all over again. With nothing constructive to do with their time, they are on a campaign to stir up trouble and prevent all Government projects aimed at developing this country. it is crystal clear now that the PNC are up to no good, they are out to promote and cause a standstill on all Government activities aimed at moving the country forward.

But they are mistaken, as that window of opportunity was locked on March 1st.

That sinister plan came crashing down when the Deputy Speaker of the House was selected. The name of Mr Lenox Shuman was nominated by the Prime Minister, and, by majority vote, Shuman was elected to the position of Deputy Speaker.

At that stage, pandemonium broke loose in the PNC side of the Opposition, when they realised that their homeboy Raphael Trotman was not going to hold that position. The PNC promptly walked out in protest of the selection.

Now, Harmon and friends have to understand certain fundamental facts here: The Deputy Speaker holds a sacred and important position, and equally so when carrying out the functions of the state. We cannot allow a circus of events that characterised the Eleventh Parliament to take root here again. There will

be no place for idleness and hooliganism from this point onward.

Secondly, and most importantly, is the fact that the one chosen for Deputy Speaker comes into office untainted by the tribalism and division that is so prevalent in PNC politics.

Make no mistake, Mr Shuman is a Guyanese in every sense of the word, and he does not bear allegiance to a foreign power, as others do.

We are still grappling with the status of some in the Opposition PNC. Mr Shuman has the inalienable right to high office in this country.

We are here in discussions about active cooperation and inclusive government. The Government is saying we are prepared to work hand-in-hand with those of the progressive thinkers in all of the political parties represented in Parliament, not with those of the rabble-rousing, ghetto-type hooligans that are so pervasive in the PNC Camp. We are destined to move forward with winners and not with sore losers, Guyana must move on the upward trajectory.

I must sound the advice to those in the PNC-led Coalition, that no more would we tolerate retrogression in this 12th Parliament.

All forms of backwardness would be foiled and put in the dung heap. Guyana is on the threshold of a bright and prosperous future, and all those bearing the signature stamp of retrogression would be left behind.

Respectfully, Neil Adams

Database (NRRDB) had some 663,365 names, from which 646,625 were extracted to create the Preliminary List of Electors (PLE).

The PLE went through further alterations, which saw the removal of names of 6,094 deceased persons. There were 68 objections; 16,642 names added from the house-to-house registration exercise; 4,258 claims; and 368 duplicate names removed. After this exhaustive process, the names of a few deceased persons were still on the Official List of Voters (OLV) which was used on polling day.

The laws of Guyana do not prevent Guyanese residing overseas from returning to vote, nor do they allow for the removal of migrants from the NRR; there will be ‘bloat’ on the list, but can votes be cast for those persons?

We return to the safeguards.

On polling day, Guyanese and other eligible voters have 12 hours in which to cast their votes. To do so, they ‘walk a gauntlet’ manned by GECOM trained polling day staff, political party agents, a Police officer, delegates of local and international observer missions, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Persons are asked to identify themselves and show National Identification Cards where possible, or swear to an affidavit of identity if not in possession of ID Cards. ALL persons are subjected to confirmation of identity by GECOM staff and party agents, who use a folio that contains detailed information, including photograph and family details.

After confirmation of identity, a ballot is issued with clear instruction on voting procedures. Voting is done in the privacy of a booth, and ballots are placed in a box as the voter’s index (or other) finger is simultaneously dipped in semi-permanent electoral ink.

These safeguards have all been rubbished by the APNU/AFC leadership, and will have to be strengthened/ revamped to quell the notion that our electoral system is compromised at this level.

I have seen no evidence of fraud in the polling stations, but I have seen enough evidence of malpractice and attempted electoral fraud at the higher levels of GECOM. Statements of Poll (SOP) being replaced by spreadsheets; Deputy Returning Officers issuing illegal or irregular orders to Presiding Officers; the flash-drive fiasco; the actions

of Chief Elections Officer Keith Lowenfield, who now has to explain to the criminal courts how he endorsed Mingo’s fabrications, given that he (Lowenfield) has all of the original SOPs. Granger’s APNU+AFC have filed an election petition, and are ultimately asking for vitiation of the March polls and an order that fresh polls be held within 90 days. Irony aside, how can any rational person believe this would be a viable solution to the problems experienced from December 2018 to August 2nd?

How can one be a complainant of electoral fraud in the High Court (Granger) and be championing the cause of the fraudster (Mingo) in the street outside the Magistrates Courts? Mr Granger said, “Mingo is not a child, Mingo has rights”. I must inform the elderly former President that children do have rights, and so do the people of Guyana.

Foremost is our right to democracy and the Government of our choice. That we have to expend time, energy and vast sums of money to rebuild confidence in our electoral mechanism and GECOM (the agency tasked with conducting elections) is all the fault of David Granger, who precipitated the decline in the integrity of GECOM with the unilateral appointment of James Patterson; and who, given his support of Mingo, is now suspect in the compromising of senior members of the Secretariat.

Editor, I believe criminal investigation into the workings and actions of the GECOM Secretariat must be vigorously pursued, and that there must be set up a National Committee tasked with comprehensively reviewing the workings of GECOM and all electoral processes with the aim of reforming and modernising the organisation. Then, and only then, can we contemplate a return to the polls.

In the meanwhile, APNU+AFC needs to find credible leadership to bring them into the democratic fold. An elections petition filed without SOPs offered as evidence speaks volumes. Fraud is fraud! The Granger/ Harmon hegemony is over.

Respectfully, Robin Singh

Harmon’s sheer mischief... (From page 5) in January 2019, to name a few.

Mr. Harmon’s statement that “A government can be illegal and illegitimate as is the one she is a part of,” appears to be a Freudian slip. It is his government that unlawfully did everything possible to remain in government for 14 months after a successful No Confidence Vote in open violation of article 106 of the Constitution. Even more offensive was the repeated attempts to thwart the will of the people and rig the election results to keep them illegitimately in office after March 2, 2020.

This new found “holier than thou” posture of Harmon and other APNU+AFC leaders convinces no one.

During the 11th Parliaments, the PNC treated their coalition partners as appendages and took the majority in the parliamentary committees reducing their partners to “tokens” for appearances sake. This control-freakism was repeated most recently when the PNC/APNU appointed a representative of the WPA without any consultation as they did in 2015 whilst omitting a representative from the faithful Justice For All Party.

During the life of the APNUAFC Coalition government, every single board was

dominated by Coalition supporters. For a government that came into office with less than 5000 votes in 2015 the APNUAFC Coalition took 99 % on every board.

The PPPC government is different and will unapologetically include representatives on boards from civil society, political parties, skilled and experienced individuals who reflect the diversity of our nation in keeping with our constitution and in particular article 13.

I continue to espouse that the composition of the Parliamentary Opposition post 2020 elections is vastly changed; the political landscape has also vastly changed. The APNUAFC Coalition has to adjust to sharing political space with the newer smaller parties and civil society who showed their resolve to protect democracy when Guyana was under threat.

Regrettably, thus far, the APNUAFC Coalition leaders appear to still be stuck in a time warped mindset unable to retrieve themselves.

Sincerely, Gail Teixeira,M.P Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance

7

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

ExxonMobil announces Redtail discovery offshore Guyana

E

xxonMobil has made its 18th discovery offshore Guyana at the Redtail-1 well, which will add to the previously announced estimated recoverable resource of more than 8 billion oil-equivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block.

“Our Stabroek Block exploration program continues to identify high-quality reservoirs in close proximity to previous discoveries, establishing efficient oppor-

tunities for new projects in Guyana… developing these projects remains an integral part of ExxonMobil and our co-venturers’ long-term growth plans and a source of significant value for Guyana,” said Mike Cousins, senior vice president of exploration and new ventures at ExxonMobil.

Redtail-1 encountered approximately 232 feet (70 meters) of high-quality oil bearing sandstone and was

DISCOVERIES IN THE STABROEK BLOCK • The Liza discovery was announced in May 2015. Liza-1 well was the first significant oil find offshore Guyana. It encountered more than 295 feet (90 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 17,825 feet (5,433 meters) in 5,719 feet (1,743 meters) of water.

• The Payara discovery was announced in January 2017.

Payara is ExxonMobil’s second oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Payara- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering more than 95 feet (29 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. It was safely drilled to 18,080 feet (5,512 meters) in 6,660 feet (2,030 meters) of water.

• The Snoek discovery was announced in March 2017.

Snoek is ExxonMobil’s third oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Snoek- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering 82 feet (25 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoirs. The well was safely drilled to 16,978 feet (5,175 meters) in 5,128 feet (1,563 meters) of water.

• The Liza Deep discovery was announced in January 2017. An appraisal well, Liza-3, identified an additional high quality, deeper reservoir directly below the Liza field, which is estimated to contain between 100-150 million oil equivalent barrels.

• The Turbot discovery was announced in October 2017.

Turbot is ExxonMobil’s fifth oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Turbot- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering 75 feet (23 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was safely drilled to 18,445 feet (5,622 meters) in 5,912 feet (1,802 meters) of water.

• The Ranger discovery was announced in January 2018.

Ranger is ExxonMobil’s sixth oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Ranger- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 230 feet (70 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing carbonate reservoir. The well was safely drilled to 21,161 feet (6,450 meters) depth in 8,973 feet (2,735 meters) of water. This discovery demonstrated

drilled in 6,164 feet (1,878 meters) of water. The well is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northwest of the Yellowtail discovery.

In addition to the Redtail-1 discovery, drilling at Yellowtail-2 encountered 69 feet (21 meters) of net pay in newly identified, high quality oil bearing reservoirs among the original Yellowtail-1 discovery intervals.

This resource is currently

being evaluated for development in conjunction with nearby discoveries.

ExxonMobil made the first commercial discovery in Guyana in 2015 and started production in December 2019 from the Liza Destiny floating production and offloading vessel (FPSO), which can produce up to 120,000 barrels per day.

The oil company’s 17 other discoveries include: 1. Liza

our ultra deepwater and carbonate exploration capabilities and it proved a new play concept for the Stabroek Block.

• The Pacora discovery was announced in February 2018.

Pacora is ExxonMobil’s seventh oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Pacora- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 65 feet (20 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was safely drilled to 18,363 feet (5,597 meters) depth in 6,781 feet (2,067 meters) of water.

• The Longtail discovery was announced in June 2018.

Longtail is ExxonMobil’s eighth oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Longtail- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 256 feet (78 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was safely drilled to 18,057 feet (5,504 meters) depth in 6,365 feet (1,940 meters) of water.

• The Hammerhead discovery was announced in Aug 2018.

Hammerhead is ExxonMobil’s ninth oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Hammerhead- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 197 feet (60 meters) of high-quality, oil-bearing sandstone reservoir.

The well was safely drilled to 13,862 feet (4,225 meters) depth in 3,773 feet (1,150 meters) of water.

• The Pluma discovery was announced in December 2018. Pluma is ExxonMobil’s 10th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Pluma- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 121 feet (37 meters) of high-quality hydrocarbon-bearing sandstone reservoir.

Pluma-1 reached a depth of 16,447 feet (5,013 meters) in 3,340 feet (1,018 meters) of water.

• The Tilapia discovery was announced in February 2019.

Tilapia is ExxonMobil’s 11th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Tilapia- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 305 feet (93 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,786 feet (5,726 meters) in 5,850 feet (1,783 meters) of water.

• The Haimara discovery was announced in February 2019. Haimara is ExxonMobil’s 12th oil discovery in the

2. Payara 3. Snoek 4. Liza deep 5. Turbot 6. Ranger 7. Pacora 8. Longtail 9. Hammerhead 10. Pluma 11. Tilapia 12. Haimara 13. Yellowtail-1 14. The Tripletail 15. Mako-1 16. Urau

17. Yellowtail-2 The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

Stabroek Block. The Haimara- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 207 feet (63 meters) of high-quality, gas-condensate bearing sandstone reservoir. The well was drilled to a depth of 18,289 feet (5,575 meters) in 4,590 feet (1,399 meters) of water.

• The Yellowtail discovery was announced in April 2019.

Yellowtail is ExxonMobil’s 13th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Yellowtail- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 292 feet (89 meters) of high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled to a depth of 18,445 feet (5,622 meters) in 6,046 feet (1,843 meters) of water.

• The Tripletail discovery was announced in September 2019. Tripletail is ExxonMobil’s 14th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Tripletail- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 108 feet (33 meters) of a high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled in 6,572 feet (2,003 meters) of water.

• The Mako discovery was announced in December 2019.

Mako is ExxonMobil’s 15th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Mako- 1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 164 feet (50 meters) of a high-quality oil bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled in 5,315 feet (1,620 meters) of water.

• The Uaru discovery was announced in January 2020.

Uaru is ExxonMobil’s 16th oil discovery in the Stabroek Block. The Uaru-1 well was drilled in a new reservoir, encountering approximately 94 feet (29 meters) of high-quality oil-bearing sandstone reservoir and was drilled in 6,342 feet (1,933 meters) of water.

• Drilling at Yellowtail-2 encountered 69 feet (21 meters) of net pay in newly identified, high quality oil bearing reservoirs among the original Yellowtail-1 discovery intervals.

• Redtail-1 encountered approximately 232 feet (70 meters) of high-quality oil bearing sandstone and was drilled in 6,164 feet (1,878 meters) of water. The well is located approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) northwest of the Yellowtail discovery.

Message from Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Vickram Bharrat, M.P

PPP/C gov’t committed to ensuring all Guyanese benefit oil and gas sector F ellow Guyanese, as Minister of Natural Resources with responsibility for the Petroleum Sector, it gives me great pleasure to announce Guyana’s 18th Offshore Oil Discovery at the Redtail-1 exploration well. This will add to the estimated recoverable resource of more than 8 billion oil- equivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block.

The Government of Guyana welcomes the Redtail discovery and remains com-

mitted to the development of Guyana’s Oil and Gas Resources. This discovery comes in wake of our County’s Budget for the year 2020 and complements the number of progressive measures announced by His Excellency Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Honourable Vice President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo. I assure you that the Government will do everything possible to ensure benefits from this and other

sectors enhance the lives of all our people.

The ExxonMobil exploration programme continues to identify high-quality reservoirs in close proximity to previous discoveries. This will play an integral part in our long-term growth plans which will bring significant value to Guyana’s Development.

The Redtail Discovery is an addition to the Liza 1 well, which is in production and has already yielded

almost $150 million USD from the three (3) completed lifts with the 4th lift schedule for later this year. The Liza 2 well is expected to start production in early 2022 from the LIZA Unity Floating Production and Offloading Vessel (FPSO) with a capacity to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Additionally, upon successful conclusion of the negotiations and approval, PAYARA will follow Liza

1 & 2 with Prosperity FPSO, also producing 220,000 barrels of Oil. The Government of Guyana is committed to ensuring Guyanese benefit from this sector, this has been demonstrated in President Ali’s appointment of the Local Content Panel.

The Panel has already commenced work in this regard and will soon be holding consultations and workshops with the relevant Stakeholders with the

intention to draft a policy document and eventual Local Content Legislative framework.

These significant discoveries in the new and emerging Oil and Gas Sector will provide the impetus to the Government’s effort to re-vitalize and re-capitalize the traditional productive sectors so that Guyanese can enjoy progress and contribute to wealth generation under the People’s Progressive Party administration.

8

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

$20B to stimulate economy, increase production and generate employment S

weeping incentives, which will be included in the Government’s Emergency Budget to directly address cost of living issues and facilitate economic growth, were announced by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on Monday (September 7, 2020).

The Head of State made this announcement during a press briefing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre today, where he was joined by the Vice President, Bharrat

Jagdeo.

“These measures no doubt will have an immense impact on people’s welfare and wellbeing. A number of the measures will directly address issues of cost of living, and living standards. During the campaign we would have committed ourselves to [a] number of initiatives which I assure you the Government is going to pursue and ensure we realise. Notwithstanding those commitments however,

we have been able to over the last three to four weeks, to do a rapid assessment of the situation in our economy and in our country,” the President explained.

The Head of State noted too that, in an effort to realise a number of the measures identified, the Government was required to re-prioritise and re-programme resources to address the issues which directly affect communities, businesses, and the economy.

“More resources will be directed towards these efforts and it is in this context that I want to share with you some of the measures that will be implemented. In order to stimulate the economy, increase production and put people back to work, a number of initiatives will be pursued. These initiatives are aimed at creating incentives, reducing costs and bureaucracy, and facilitating greater ease of doing business.

These measures will have an impact on people’s quality of life, cost of living and welfare issues,” President Ali outlined.

He also assured that the Government is working towards crafting a more elaborate programme for 2021.

Further, in his remarks, Dr. Jagdeo expressed gratitude to the President for allowing in such a short period of time, the fulfilment of many of the promises

that he advocated for on the Campaign platform. He assured that the underlying philosophy of the budget to return Guyana to a coherent, economic policy, will not depart radically from the manifesto.

The announcement came two days before the national budget was taken to the National Assembly.

[SEE PAGE 10 FOR FULL LIST OF MEASURES ANNOUNCED]

Budget measures demonstrate PPP/C commitment to Guyanese – Jagdeo V

ice President Bharrat Jagdeo has stated that the insurmountable tax breaks announced by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali today is indicative of the Peoples’ Progressive Party /Civic Government’s commitment to Guyanese.

“If you look at the mea-

fulfill those promises. “We do not take our promises lightly and therefore I am so pleased that we have been able to within a month of the new government, move to address a lot of these issues.”

While touting Government’s economic policy that is described as one that is

“We do not take our promises lightly and therefore I am so pleased that we have been able to within a month of the new government, move to address a lot of these issues.”

– Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo sures in the new budget and a combination of direct incentives and a reduction of taxes, the Guyanese public will benefit over $20Billion of relief,” said VP Dr. Jagdeo during a press conference at Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

He added, “Although an emergency budget, we have substantively addressed most of the tax measures that we promised to deal with in the new Government.”

These promises were crafted in the manifesto during the run up to the 2020 elections. Now in office, the Vice President added that the Government is on a path to

coherent, the Vice President lambasted the economic policy of the former administration that led to extravagance.

According to the Vice President, “it was a policy based on consumption, collection of large amounts of taxes and consumption on the recurrent side of the budget […] Employment costs skyrocketed and other charges skyrocketed and these were not creating value for people.”

With the new tax measures, the Vice President cited his confidence that more disposable income will be available to Guyanese as cost of living will now be reduced.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

$5B budgetary support Two weeks tax free bonus for for GuySuCo – President Ali announces joint service –50 new vehicles for GPF

F

rom the $330 Billion emergency budget expected to be announced in Parliament on Wednesday, some $5 billion subvention will be allocated to the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo).

President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said “The $5 billion will go into the agriculture aspect for field preparation. And also, for investment in capital…to operationalize the estates.

Some of it will go to direct help for families who would have suffered.”

During his inauguration address, the Head of State gave the reassurance that his government is committed to the reformation and reopening of the sugar estates that were closed under the previous administration. The President had noted that the industry was abandoned in

the past five years, and the workers have been deserted.

“While we are still putting together the torn fragments …we intend to raise up the industry and to help it, and its workers, to resume the once proud place in our economy,” the President said, and had later promised that support in this regard will be provided in Budget 2020.

Meanwhile, also in the area of agriculture, the 2020 emergency budget provides for the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) and duties on machinery and equipment in the agriculture sector.

In keeping with all promises made in its manifesto, the Head of State relayed that tax concession will also be granted.

Ali announced too that land lease fees will be reversed and will mirror the af-

fordable rates prior to 2015.

“For example, in consultation with the poultry sector they would have said that between 2015 to now the land lease fees have increased by 1,350%,” the Head of State explained.

The President believes going forward, this will aid tremendously in the production aspect of the agriculture industry.

Adding to the administration’s immediate relief plans, Guyanese will also witness the removal of VAT on fertilisers, agro- chemicals, pesticides and key inputs in the poultry sector.

Further, the Head of State announced removal of VAT on all exports. The President posited that this will aid the manufacturing sector and help the exporters to become more competitive with their cost of production.

Jagdeo says substantial part of Budget 2020 already spent by APNU+AFC

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udget 2020 will be approximately $330B, an increase of $28.8B from 2019. While this year’s budget is larger, Vice-President, Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo told a news conference on Monday (September 7, 202t) hat a substantial part of the funds was already spent by the previous administration.

“You would think that we are in September, why this big budget. Well a substantial part of the money has been spent already

by APNUAFC. So, of the $330B, $72B is for capital expenditure and if you take out the foreign funded capital expenditure, it leaves $49B of local expenditure,” Dr. Jagdeo noted during Monday’s press briefing at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

Of the $49B, $27B has already been spent on rollover projects from 2019.

The VP said this was as a result of the spending spree that was undertaken by the previous administration.

Dr. Jagdeo pointed out that this spending was not approved and were given out

as large contracts. “$27B of the $49B in this year’s budget has already been spent as of July 31st, so really, we only had room in this budget from local expenditure to programme $22B for new initiatives,” the Vice President outlined.

Dr. Jagdeo said the spending by the APNU+AFC Coalition has stymied some of the initiatives that the government wanted to pursue. Nevertheless, the VP pointed out that the government found room to fulfill the tax promises, which will be a boost to the economy.

It was highlighted by the Vice President that the local economy was facing hardship due to the lack of incentives even before COVID-19 hit Guyana.

When COVID-19 came, the economy went into what the Vice President described as a “tailspin.”

“The context in creating the budget is one where all the real sectors of the entire economy and many state enterprises are in decline

excepting the oil and gas sector… So, it is not just the real sector in decline and public enterprises but it is also the revenue of the state that is in decline,” the Vice President underscored.

He pointed out that the agriculture and fisheries sectors are expected to decline by two percent, bauxite between 40 and 50 percent, gold mining by 0.2 percent, accommodation and food by 32 percent, entertainment and recreation by 46 percent and other services by 51 percent. Manufacturing and construction, he said are in decline and will continue to decline.

There are also a number of public enterprises and subvention agencies that are in decline or posting a deficit. These include the Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo), Guyana Power and Light, Guyana Water Incorporated, Guyana Forestry Commission, Mahaica Mahaicony Abary – Agricultural Development Authority and the Guyana Lands and Survey, among others.

M

embers of the joint services will be benefitting from a two-week tax free bonus. This was disclosed by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali during a press conference to outline measures covered in Budget 2020.

The President in his speech said, “In order to support our men and women in uniform, to ensure we do all that is possible within the constraints of the economy,

we are announcing a two weeks tax free bonus for the joint services.”

Benefitting, are the Guyana Defence Force, the Guyana Fire Service, the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Prison Service. The tax-free bonus which the joint services were accustomed to receiving since 2002, was discontinued by the previous administration in 2015.

Additionally, the President said the Guyana Police

Force will be equipped with 50 new 4×4 vehicles. “In order to support our security sector, to support the Police Force, in understanding the new environment in which they operate – greater economic activities in hinterland communities (etc.)

– they are required to move more swiftly, with a different type of vehicle, so we are going to acquire 50 new 4×4 vehicle for GPF,” the Head of State stated.

$150M for Frontline Healthcare Workers A whopping $150M has been set aside for frontline workers in the 2020 National Budget. The monetary support was disclosed on Monday (September 7, 2020), during a press conference held at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre (ACCC) President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali stated that the provision aims to showcase the government’s appreciation to health officials in their fight against COVID-19 in Guyana.

“We understand and appreciate the tremendous work that our health and frontline workers are doing, the sacrifices they are making in ensuring that we remain safe and protected as a result given the work, they have done for COVID-19 and continues to,” President Ali said.

Frontline workers have been bearing the brunt of the pandemic, providing medical support to Guyanese who are affected by the virus.

Since taking office, the government has been loud in

its appreciation of the efforts of these workers, many who go beyond the call of duty.

Recently, Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud announced that her ministry will be expanding its Childcare Assistance Programme to provide free childcare to frontline workers. Minister Persaud, during a virtual press conference on Monday, revealed that assistance will be available to the frontline workers in both the private and public sectors.

$800M for Amerindian Development Fund

A

n allocation of $800M has been made available in the emergency Budget for 2020 that will go towards the Amerindian Development Fund (ADF). His Excellency, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, made the announcement on Monday at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre.

The Amerindian Development Fund, launched in 2014, is a multi-pronged, long-term and integrated strategy for achieving and fostering the socio-economic development of Amerindian communities in Guyana through community-driven business ventures known as ‘Community Development Plans’ (CDPs).

These community business ventures cover agricultural production and processing, village infrastructure, tourism, manufacturing, village business enterprise, and transportation, among others.

These community projects are aimed at strengthening the entrepreneurial capacity of Indigenous communities, diversify their economy, create job opportunities and reducing poverty.

President Ali also noted that the budget will support the reintroduction of the Community Service Officers in Amerindian Communities.

The CSO programme was discontinued under the previous APNU+AFC Coalition.

This is an initiative aimed at developing young Amerindians in the various villages and communities through the creation of job opportunities and building capacity and strengthening their individual interests and skills.

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai during a recent engagement in Fairview, Region 9 advised residents to prepare themselves for when the programme restarts.

She noted that the programme will start with twenty villages “The first 20 that prepare themselves, select their candidates and send it in to the ministry, we will send out our team to do the inductions, therefore this a challenge and an opportunity for villages to prepare themselves,” the minister tasked.

The selection of persons for the CSO programme is done by villagers. Minister Sukhai urged the villagers to

ensure that the most vulnerable youths benefit from the programme.

The CSOs engagement was launched in 2014, under the Youth Entrepreneurship and Apprenticeship Programme (YEAP). It targeted some 2,000 youths between the ages of 16-40 in Regions One, Seven, Eight and Nine.

The reintroduction of this programme will replace the Hinterland Employment and Youth Service (HEYS) programme, which was introduced by the former APNU+AFC Coalition Administration, which came to a halt in 2019.

Other measures covered in Budget 2020 that will support Amerindian development include the removal of VAT on hinterland travel, the 25,000 solar units for hinterland, the $15,000 Cash Grant for school children, the new ferry for North – West, the $25, 000 for old age pension, the $150M for frontline workers, the $200M to expand the Guyana Learning Channel, the $1.5B for Hinterland urban and rural roads and the $25, 000 per Household for COVID-19 Relief.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

PPP/C DELIVERS ON MANIFESTO PROMISES President Ali announces dozens of relief measures, more

Ahead of the presentation of Budget 2020, President Irfaan Ali, on Monday (September 7, 2020) announced a raft of measures – majority of which are promises made in the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) manifesto – to improve the lives of Guyanese people, primarily by ensuring that more of the money they earn remains in their pockets, among other commitments that will be realized once the national budget receives parliamentary approval.

Reversal of VAT on electricity and water Removal of VAT and duties on machinery and equipment to allow for recapitalization. Granting of tax concessions on ATVs for mining, forestry, agriculture and manufacturing Reversal of land lease fee increases back to the rate it was in at the end of 2014 Removal of VAT on fertilizers, agro-chemicals, pesticides, and key inputs in the poultry industry Reversal of VAT on exports Removal of VAT on hinterland travel Removal of VAT on all medical supplies Reversal of VAT on building and construction materials Zero rated VAT on cellphones Removal of corporate tax on private education Removal of corporate tax on private healthcare

$5 billion budget support for GuySuCo Free water for pensioners Two weeks tax free bonus for the Joint Services $600 million $150 million to frontline workers in the health care system $200 million to expand Guyana Learning Channel 25,000 solar units for hinterland Removal of requirement to register and take out road license for mining equipment Removal of requirement for police clearance for miners to transport fuel in their own vehicles Revert the poultry industry to zero rated VAT status Special incentives, inclusive of land to be made available for planting of corn and soybean to satisfy local and regional feed mill demands Tax concessions on investment in agro-processing facilities, cold storage and packaging

Mortgage Interest Relief – interest incurred on housing loan up to $30 million to be deductible from Income Tax

Support for drainage and irrigation services

Increase limit for low income loan for corporate tax relief in the banking sector to $10 million

Removal of land taxes and drainage and irrigation charges back to 2014 position

Any license that was increased and renewed after 1st October 2020 would be reduced by 50%

Reversal of increases in land lease fees for lands under cultivation back to 2014 position

Change log export policy to allow saw millers to export logs (increase production and taxes)

Land and water charges reversed to the rate at end of 2014

Reversal of policy to allow for importation of used tyres

50 new 4 x 4 vehicles for the Guyana Police Force

½ cut vehicles over 8 years would be allowed to be imported Reversal of policy to allow importation of vehicles more than 8 years (a) Effective 1st January 2020, $15,000 Cash Grant for school children (b) Double school uniform voucher allowance to 4000 per child Effective 1st January 2020, $25,000 for pensioners - $4.5 billion $800 million for Amerindian Development Fund.

Reintroduction of the CSO program

Investments in farm to market access roads

Over $1.5 billion for hinterland, urban and rural roads New ferry for North – West Upgrade to hospitals at Suddie, New Amsterdam, Leonora, West Demerara, and Diamond $25,000 per household for COVID-19 relief $4.5 - $5 billion Special incentives for new hotel development Liberalization of the telecommunication sector Multipurpose sports complex for Regions Two, Six and Ten

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Guyanese must make every effort to heal and to move forward – Edghill urges R ealizing together, as Guyanese, the ‘Plan for Prosperity’ demands that the people “collectively rise” to the challenges of the day, according to Minister of Public Works, Juan Edghill, who delivered the Budget 2020 speech in the National Assembly on Wednesday (September 9, 2020).

He said, “Notwithstanding our rather disturbing findings upon taking the reins of Government a mere 35 days ago, we confronted the challenge of re-charting Guyana’s course by laying an emergency Budget in this Honourable House.

“The year 2020 has been a complicated and difficult one for us as Guyanese. We have gone through testing times as a nation, given our own internal struggles, of living together as one people; but, it is clear that we have one destiny. As Guyanese, we must all make every effort to heal and to move forward together, as we consolidate our national position in order to achieve our development trajectory ahead.

“The pandemic presents an additional crisis that will continue to affect all spheres of our lives; and, as we adapt to this new normal, one lesson rings true: how we act as individuals will ultimately impact the lives of those around us, whether we apply that to the prevention of the spread of COVID-19, or to our engagement as mutual respecting citizens of our beloved country.

Budget 2020 offers hope and relief in its measures, and programmes and projects. It reflects our Government’s fierce dedication to ensuring a better quality of life for all Guyanese.”

Edghill assured that the PPP/C Government will continue to fiercely defend Guyana’s cherished democracy as we have recently done, and we will always champion upholding the rule of law. “We will continue, as always, to secure working partnerships with our private sector – from the fruit vendors to the rum producers, farmers to fishers, miners to millers, air service providers to minibus drivers.

We will work within the public sector with all diligent public servants, including soldiers, police, educators, and health workers – especially those who are on the frontline – to ensure effective delivery of public services to all Guyanese, particularly at this crucial time,” he said.

The Minister added, “Our Plan for Prosperity, despite the challenges, has taken root in this emergency Budget, and Budget 2021 will outline the transformative agenda for the medium-term; one that is inclusionary and participatory in its architecture and implementation. We have to intentionally work on reversing the trend within our socio-political landscape, and I am reminded of a quote

by William J. Brennan, Jr., Former Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, ‘We must meet the challenge rather than wish it were not before us’.”

Budget 2020 is $330B. [SEE PAGES 12-15 FOR FULL BUDGET 2020 SPEECH]

Budget 2020 Highlights • $52B – Education Sector

• $200M- Learning Channel • $51.7B – Health Sector • $3.2B- Emergency Supply of Drugs & Medical Equipment

• $100M- Small Business Development Fund

• $212.2M - Small Business Bureau • $5.2B - ICT Development

• $2B - NDMA for Bandwidth • $17M – Construction of Cold Expansion Storage Facility in Region 6 • $3B- University of Guyana • $15M- Accident & Emergency Ward at GPHC • $2.8B- GWI • $11B - GPHC ($2.5B- Supply • $644 .2M- Sanitation of Drugs & Medical Equipment) Interventions • $20M – Construction of 4-storey building for accommodation of Health Sector Staff, as well as storage of records

• 25,000 solar panels for Amerindian communities

• $38.9B – Security Sector

• $428.1M- Procurement of 50 Vehicles for Guyana Police Force

• $34.4B – Infrastructure • $2.7B – Culture, Youth and Sport • $800M – Amerindian Development Fund (ADF)

• $25M – President’s Youth Advisory Council

• $200M – Continued works at Mazaruni/Georgetown/ Lusignan Prisons • $5B – GuySuCo

• $300M - Purchase of tractors, • $112.9M- MMA/ADA etc. to incentivize agricultural activity in Amerindian com- • $15.8M- Acquisition of Shade munities House materials, etc. by NAREI

• $400.6 M- Hinterland • $9B - Draining & Irrigation Electrification Program • $49.69B – Regional • $10M – National Toshaos’ Allocations Council (NTC)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget Speech by the Hon. Minister of INTRODUCTION

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r. Speaker, I rise to move the motion for the approval of the Estimates of the Public Sector and the Budget for the Financial Year 2020 and, in doing so, I wish to indicate that Cabinet has recommended that the National Assembly proceed upon this motion, pursuant to Article 171 Paragraph 2 of the Constitution of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana Budget 2020 is finally before this Honourable House after one of the most testing, convoluted, complicated, and traumatic periods of Guyana’s post-independence history.

Twenty months since Budget 2019 was adopted in this National Assembly, 628 days since the No-Confidence Motion was successfully passed on December 21st, 2018, 475 days since a sitting of the National Assembly, 191 days since the March 2nd, 2020 General and Regional Elections, and 38 days following the declaration of those election results on August 2nd, 2020, with the People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) being sworn in as the legitimate Government of Guyana.

The people of this country have been tried and tested but not defeated. Our nation’s young democracy was under severe duress, however, the Guyana Constitution and the judicial system showed their resilience in the face of repeated efforts to undermine both.

Our people endured and remained resolute and peaceful in their defense of democracy. We as a people were bolstered by the support of over 100 nations and all the major international and regional bodies – the United Nations (UN), the Commonwealth, the Organisation of American States and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – in their righteous defense of the will of the people to elect a government of their choice and, in the end, democracy prevailed.

How should we feel when several of our neighbouring sister CARICOM countries had their elections in the period between March 2nd and August 2nd, 2020 with their results declared within hours of the close of poll?

The unwarranted delays and subsequent court challenges that ensued have certainly tarnished the image of Guyana’s democratic credentials, a situation this President Ali-led Government has already started to correct.

These delays over twenty months not only put our democracy under duress, but wreaked havoc on the economy, which was already showing signs of an imminent decline. Uncertainty, instability, corruption, ineptitude and incompetence, alongside weak, visionless leadership, did immeasurable and unimaginable damage to the political, moral, social and economic fabric of our people.

The fact that the events from March 2nd to present unfolded in the midst of a global pandemic, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) – which has already claimed the lives of over 900,000 persons worldwide – only compounded the difficulties and hardships faced by our people and nation over those now infamous five months; we are humbled by the stoicism, restraint and fortitude of our people.

The COVID-19 pandemic remains with us today, as in the entire world, but now we are aggressively and scientifically addressing it at a national level by refocusing financial and other resources to improve testing capacity, and to acquire much needed pharmaceutical and health care supplies in order to bring relief to our people, like never before. High on our agenda is the enactment of measures and stakeholder involvement, with a view of keeping our citizens safe.

We now have to come with Annual Budget 2020 in the last quarter of the year. This could have been avoided if the will of the people had been respected and had not been sabotaged on

March 5th and March 13th, 2020. Had these treacherous events not occurred, the PPP/C, as the legitimately elected government, would have had Budget 2020 in this House by April of this year. The nation would not have had to endure this untenable situation over those long five months, and our present dire financial and economic situation could have been reversed faster.

There are two main overriding priorities in Budget 2020, with a focus, in the last quarter, of bringing under control the spread of COVID-19, and opening up the economy and restoring economic activity to some level of normalcy. Reversing the downward trend is a priority.

This Budget has been prepared in record time. On August 10th the Budget circular was issued, a mere 5 days after His Excellency was sworn into Office. Immediately work began, and within 21 days we had concluded virtual Budget hearings with all Agencies and Regions, and prepared the recommendations for the Budgets of Constitutional Agencies.

The Budgets of Constitutional Agencies were submitted, and recommendations were made and approved by the National Assembly on September 1st at the very first sitting of the 12th Parliament. This cycle was completed in a record 22 days. Today, 8 days later, we have before this Honourable House a motion of the Estimates and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year 2020.

Mr. Speaker, Ministers, and a highly professional and motivated Budget Team dedicated time every day and night for long hours, to achieve this, under the leadership of the Vice President, and former President, the Honourable Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, M.P..

I am advised that normally, the Annual Budget preparation process takes over 150 days. Hence, this achievement is not an insignificant one. These, however, are not ordinary times, and it demanded quick action of a highly responsive and responsible Government to enact measures to halt the downturn of the economy, which our people have had to unnecessarily endure, and bring them quick relief.

The PPP/C promised that once the results were declared, our Administration, led by His Excellency President Irfaan Ali, would “hit the road at fast speed” to restore normalcy and stability. Programmes and policies will be implemented to quickly turn around the situation we inherited and set the stage for the implementation of the transformative projects we promised in our manifesto.

This Budget embodies a no-nonsense, no frills, no fluff, people-centered, pro-poor, results-oriented approach to launch this nation back on its positive development trajectory.

Mr. Speaker, it is time to be candid with the Guyanese people concerning what we have inherited as a new Administration. I want to take the time to share with you some of our findings: i. The bloat of employment in the Public Sector drove up operational costs by astronomical levels, and there was no increase in work output; ii. There were regular withdrawals from the Consolidated Fund and 20 months of uninterrupted, unauthorised invasion of the public purse and also withdrawals from the contingency fund which did not meet the legal requirements, throwing the entire financial architecture of the country off its legal and constitutional tracks; iii. The wholesale giveaway of our most important national patrimony – land – to friends, families and financiers of the APNU-AFC without due process, without an iota of transparency, and, in most cases, far below market value, and in one instance no money being paid but an absolute title given;

iv. Widespread discrimination in every aspect of Governance, including but not limited to employment, scholarships and allocation of resources; v. Massive incompetence in every sphere of Government activity, to the extent that not only their manifesto promises of 2015 remain undelivered, but even normal functions of Government were not performed; vi. Squander-mania was an area that saw the greatest activism of the APNU-AFC Government. The Durban Jubilee Park fiasco, the Sussex Street Bond and the conversion of the flood prone, mould infested Ocean View Hotel into a Hospital are just a few to mention; vii. The complete malaise and assault on the economic sphere of the country – where no incentives were given for production and the promotion of productivity. To compensate for this omission, unleashed on taxpayers was a regime of abrasive and wide-reaching taxation.

Something never seen before in the Caribbean; viii. We witnessed an unprecedented assault on lawful Governance, on the constitution, the rule of law and on parliamentary governance, which culminated with a globally publicised attempt at rigging the March 2nd, 2020 Elections. This vulgar display of authoritarianism cost taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to defend the indefensible.

The National Assembly and the country will certainly hear more about these as time permits as investigations are ongoing.

Mr. Speaker, such a situation could have only existed because of the gross mismanagement, maladministration and mishandling of the entire state apparatus. Our country fell into unchartered waters when the then Government fell by way of the successful passage of a no-confidence motion. Subsequently, they abdicated their caretaker status through failed and frivolous litigious forays, which culminated in an Administration running on fumes, for more than one year, without parliamentary oversight.

There are key lessons to be learnt here – political gamesmanship is inimical to development, and the use of the public patrimony for the purchase of political support only lends to a style of governance that is wholly lacking in transparency and accountability.

New capital projects being undertaken in the absence of an Appropriation Act, and novel and skewed interpretations of the Constitution, as well as financial and procurement laws, were not only incredulous, but harmful to the economy. The stalling and obstructionist approach adopted as it relates to foreign investment, as well as the stranglehold and non-responsive attitude, has led to capital flight, job losses and a local private sector being held in abeyance.

Mr. Speaker, given all that our country has endured since December 2018, the PPP/C Administration is presenting Budget 2020 under the theme, Our Plan for Prosperity: Protecting our People in a COVID-19 Environment; Strengthening Democracy and the Rule of Law; Incentivising Economic Growth and Job Creation; and, Enhancing Welfare. The allocations and measures contained in Budget 2020 have benefited from the numerous and ongoing engagements with various stakeholder groups which began during the formulation of our manifesto, which is our social contract with the people of this nation. In addition, ever conscious of the pandemic that has distorted our ideas of normalcy and wreaked havoc on health systems the world over, Budget 2020 seeks to ensure that our level of preparedness and response prioritises the safety of our people.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE WORLD ECONOMY Mr. Speaker, the world economy is estimated to have grown by 2.9 percent in 2019, down from the 3.6 percent growth recorded in

2018. In January 2020, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attributed the lower 2019 growth to unexpected shocks to economic activity in some emerging economies – particularly India. In 2019, advanced economies are estimated to have grown by 1.7 percent, or 0.5 percentage points slower than the 2018 growth, and emerging market and developing economies by 3.7 percent, down from the 4.5 percent growth observed in 2018. Further, Latin America and the Caribbean region is estimated to have grown by 0.1 percent in 2019, according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

This is lower than the 1 percent growth seen in 2018, attributed to widespread economic deceleration resulting from weakening domestic and external demand.[1] In April of this year, the IMF reported that the COVID-19 pandemic would lead to an unprecedented decline in global activity in 2020. With half-year data suggesting deeper downturns than previously anticipated, the Fund updated its 2020 projection to reflect a contraction of 4.9 percent in the global economy, almost 2 percentage points below the contraction of 3 percent projected at the beginning of the second quarter.[2] For the first time, the IMF is projecting negative growth for all country groups.

Mr. Speaker, the Fund is estimating a contraction of 8 percent in 2020 for advanced economies. The United States, United Kingdom and Canada are projected to contract by 8 percent, 10.2 percent and 8.4 percent, respectively. The emerging market and developing economies group is anticipated to contract by 3 percent in 2020, with all countries expected to record negative growth, except for China, which is projected to expand by 1 percent.

In their July 2020 COVID-19 Special Report, ECLAC highlighted that, since April 2020, both external and internal shocks in the region have intensified and, as such, they project a contraction of 9.1 percent for the region this year. In particular, declines of 9.4 percent, 8.4 percent and 7.9 percent are expected for South America, Central America and Mexico, and the Caribbean (excluding Guyana), respectively. The Commission is projecting an expansion of 44.3 percent for Guyana.

Mr. Speaker, in light of the uncertainty, shocks and challenges induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, as Guyana is a commodity-dependent economy, Government remains cognisant of potential volatility in international commodity prices. The global price changes of Guyana’s major traded agricultural commodities varied in 2019. The average world price of rice (Thai 5%) declined by 0.6 percent, to US$418 per metric tonne in 2019, when compared with 2018. Unlike rice, the average world price of sugar and logs (Malaysia) increased by 1.6 percent and 1.3 percent, to US 28 cents per kilogramme and US$273 per cubic metre, respectively, from

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, M.P. 2018 levels. Further, metal prices were mixed at the end of 2019. The average world price of gold increased by 9.7 percent, to US$1,392 per ounce, while aluminium prices declined by 14.9 percent, to US$1,794 per metric tonne. In relation to Brent crude oil, the average world price declined by 9.9 percent, to US$64 per barrel in 2019, when compared with 2018.

Mr. Speaker, the World Bank provided forecasts for commodity prices in April of this year, which were reported in the 2019 End of Year Outcome Statement.[3] In 2020, the world market price for rice (Thai 5%) is expected to increase by 7.7 percent, to US$450 per metric tonne, and sugar by 14.3 percent, to US 32 cents per kilogramme. Similarly, the world price of logs (Malaysia) is projected to grow by 0.7 percent, to US$275 per cubic metre. Moreover, with slowing global demand and the shutdown of key industries, metal prices are projected to fall by 13 percent, on average, in 2020. While aluminium prices are also expected to fall, by 10.8 percent to US$1,600 per metric tonne, in 2020, gold prices are expected to grow by 14.9 percent, to US$1,600 per ounce. However, in August, gold prices surged to US$1,969.85 per ounce, on average and, as such, prices for this commodity are likely to finish the year higher than the April forecast. Further, oil markets are expected to be adversely affected throughout 2020, with average crude oil prices projected to fall by 43 percent, to US$35 per barrel. While some recovery in oil prices was observed in recent months, analysts remain cautious.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DOMESTIC ECONOMY IN 2019 A. Real Gross Domestic Product Mr. Speaker, the Ministry of Finance, in its End of Year Outcome Report for 2019, which was published in June 2020, noted that real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 5.4 percent, with non-oil growth pegged at 4.3 percent. This is based on a revised and rebased GDP series that was launched by the Bureau of Statistics in 2020. The updated series was rebased to year 2012, using the System of National Accounts 2008, and revisions included: the conversion of all economic activities to the International Standard of Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities, Revision 4; the use of updated methods of estimation, including the use of new and revised data; and, the updating of implicit price deflators.

This series will be used for the next 3 years while the Bureau completes a more thorough rebasing exercise, which will see the base year being updated to 2019.

B. Sectoral Performance Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Mr. Speaker, in 2019 the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries contracted by 0.5 percent, on account of declines in sugar, livestock and forestry.

The sugar growing industry contracted for a fourth consecutive year, with sugar production declining by 11.8 percent from the previous year, to 92,256 tonnes, approximately 21,000 tonnes below the original forecast for the year. This was primarily due to a shortfall of more than 14,000 tonnes in the second crop below the revised target, which was attributed to major mechanical failures in the Albion and Uitvlugt factories. Additionally, industrial unrest and adverse weather further contributed to the industry’s underperformance in the second crop.

Mr. Speaker, the rice growing industry expanded by 1 percent in 2019, with paddy production reaching 1,049,874 tonnes, 8.8 percent

above the previous year and 0.8 percent short of the record production of 1,058,129 tonnes attained in 2015. The increase over 2018 was attributed to more hectares being harvested as well as higher yields, which rose by 6.9 percent and 1.8 percent, respectively.

With respect to the production of other crops, this industry is estimated to have grown by 0.3 percent in 2019, with total production, excluding coconuts, rising by 1.5 percent above the previous year. This was driven by expansions in the production of pumpkin, cocoa, ginger, pineapples, sweet peppers and oranges. On the other hand, there were notable declines in tomato and watermelon production, which fell by 12.9 percent and 18.2 percent, respectively.

Mr. Speaker, like other crops, the livestock industry saw mixed outcomes in 2019. Beef production grew by 23.5 percent; pork by 66.9 percent; mutton by 8.3 percent; and, table eggs by 45.3 percent. Despite these gains, the declines in poultry production, by 7.6 percent, and milk production, by 9.1 percent, resulted in a contraction of 3.5 percent in the livestock industry.

The forestry industry also contracted in 2019, by 3.9 percent, undoing the gains in the previous two years. This was on account of declines in log production, by 5.2 percent, and primary lumber, by 3.6 percent. In the first quarter of 2019, lower activity by large concessionaires resulted in reduced log production. While log production improved in the second and third quarters, lower prices led to a low declaration of stored jungle stocks by concessionaires in the final quarter. With regards to primary lumber, production in the first 4 months of the year outpaced the 2018 level, resulting in considerable gains at the half-year. However, in the final two months of 2019, production was significantly below the 2018 level, and resulted in a contraction in this product category in 2019.

Mr. Speaker, in 2019 the fishing industry grew, marginally, by 0.7 percent, despite a sargassum weed invasion, which affected industrial fishing operations. Industrial finfish production declined by 57.8 percent, and industrial seabob production by 29.7 percent.

The decline in the latter was also attributed to efforts by companies to attain Marine Stewardship Council certification, which requires implementation of harvest control rules as well as the use of by-catch reduction devices.

Gains in artisanal finfish, red snapper, tuna, and prawns production were enough to offset the contractions in industrial finfish and seabob.

Extractive Industries Mr. Speaker, the mining and quarrying industries expanded by 10.6 percent in 2019, driven by the emerging petroleum and gas and support services industry, which grew by 124.2 percent over the previous year. This was further supported by growth in gold mining, by 3 percent, other mining and quarrying, by 7.3 percent, and bauxite, by 1.7 percent.

Mr. Speaker, the outturn in the gold mining industry was spurred by small and medium scale miners, whose declarations increased by 25 percent over the previous year. This was large enough to offset lower production by the two large scale mining companies, who faced several operational setbacks in 2019. In the bauxite industry, growth slowed to 1.7 percent, its lowest rate since 2015. Nevertheless, the positive outturn in this industry was attributed to the scaling up of production activities by Guyana Industrial Minerals Incorporated, at their Bonasika site, which offsetted lower output by the two incumbent mining companies.

Turning to the other mining and quarrying industries, growth was driven by increased sand mining, by 12.9 percent, which outweighed

a 11.5 percent contraction in diamond declarations and a 2.5 percent contraction in stone quarrying.

Manufacturing Mr. Speaker, the manufacturing industries are estimated to have expanded by 14.7 percent in 2019. While rice manufacturing and other manufacturing increased by 26.4 percent and 14 percent, respectively, further growth was constrained by a contraction of 11.8 percent in sugar manufacturing. Within other manufacturing, there was notable improvement in the pharmaceutical, and food and beverage industries.

Construction Mr. Speaker, the construction industry is estimated to have grown by 3.1 percent in 2019, consistent with borrowing by the private sector for related activities. In particular, real estate mortgages grew by 6.9 percent in 2019, with 19.2 percent growth in loans for industrial and commercial properties, and 5.9 percent growth in borrowing for private dwellings.

Services The service industries grew by 4.2 percent in 2019, with expansions recorded across all major industries, apart from insurance services and agents, which contracted by 0.8 percent.

The 2019 performance was driven by growth in wholesale and retail trade, by 5 percent, administrative and support services, by 5.8 percent, and transport and storage, by 6.9 percent.

C. Balance of Payments Mr. Speaker, in 2019, the overall balance of payments registered a deficit of US$48.9 million, lower than the deficit of US$132.2 million in 2018. This was on account of an increase in the capital account surplus, which offset an expansion in the current account deficit.

The current account deficit was US$1.8 billion in 2019, 25.3 percent higher than the deficit in 2018, mainly on account of a larger deficit on the merchandise trade account. A larger services account deficit also contributed to the higher current account deficit position.

The merchandise trade deficit in 2019 was US$1.5 billion, larger than the deficit of US$1 billion in 2018, due to an increase in import payments, which offset higher export earnings.

Export earnings of US$1.6 billion in 2019 surpassed the 2018 level by US$189.9 million, largely supported by increased earnings from rice and paddy, gold, and ‘other exports’,

by US$36.7 million, US$109.8 million, and US$43.4 million, respectively. On the other hand, import payments grew by US$608.9 million, to US$3,019.1 million, in 2019, driven mainly by increased imports for the growing oil and gas sector. Import payments for fuel and lubricants, however, were lower by US$25.2 million, reaching US$490.7 million in 2019, while all other import payments were higher, by US$634.1 million, reaching US$2.5 billion in 2019.

The net services account registered a deficit of US$932.2 million in 2019, higher than the 2018 level, by US$34.7 million. This was due to a higher deficit on both the non-factor services account and factor services account, by US$15.8 million and US$18.9 million, respectively. In 2019, net payments for non-factor services increased to a deficit of US$885.5 million, mainly on account of higher payments for transportation and other business services.

On the other hand, net payments for factor services increased to a deficit of US$46.6 million, largely on account of higher net outflows of compensation of employees, which was driven by the oil and gas sector and, other investment income.

In 2019, net unrequited transfers increased

by US$89.8 million, to reach US$581.5 million, when compared with 2018. This was mainly due to an increase in inflows of workers’ remittances, other current transfers, and in-kind transfers.

The capital account recorded a substantially larger surplus, of US$1.8 billion in 2019, 36 percent higher than in 2018. This was mainly on account of increased foreign direct investments in the growing oil and gas sector. Foreign direct investments increased by US$463.6 million in 2019, when compared with 2018, reaching US$1.7 billion.

Although the current account deteriorated significantly in 2019, when compared with 2018, the improvement in the capital account in 2019 led to a significant overall improvement in the balance of payments deficit. In line with these developments, gross international reserves of the Bank of Guyana rose to US$575.9 million or 1.6 months of import cover, when compared with the US$528.4 million, or 1.8 months recorded in 2018.

The balance of payments deficit in 2019 was financed by debt relief of US$50.7 million and debt forgiveness of US$45.7 million, while the net foreign assets of the Bank of Guyana increased by US$47.5 million.

D. Monetary Developments Mr. Speaker, in 2019, the money supply expanded by 16.8 percent, to $461.1 billion, when compared with 2018. This was supported by a robust expansion in narrow money, of 43.5 percent, to $251.1 billion, which offset a contraction in quasi money, of 4.5 percent, to $210 billion.

Over the same period, net domestic credit grew by 17.4 percent, t0 $297.8 billion, driven by an increase in credit to the private sector, as well as the public sector remaining in a net credit position. Credit to the private sector grew by 8.6 percent, to $253.6 billion, primarily attributed to an increase in lending to business enterprises in the services and manufacturing sectors, and for real estate mortgages.

On the public sector net credit position, this moved to $78.4 billion, driven mainly by an increase in credit by Central Government, of 24.3 percent, to $128.8 billion. Notwithstanding, the Public Enterprises (PEs) moved to a higher net depositors’ position, by 10.6 percent, to $28.9 billion.

Mr. Speaker, total liquid assets of commercial banks increased by 25.2 percent, to $150.6 billion, over the review period, as a result of higher net balances due from resident and non-resident banks. Of this amount, holdings of Government treasury bills accounted for $60.8 billion, an increase of 6.6 percent.

Moreover, at the end of 2019, liquid assets held by commercial banks exceeded the minimum requirement by 54.5 percent.

Total reserves deposited with the Bank of Guyana rose by 7.8 percent, to $80.9 billion in 2019, when compared with 2018. Over the same period, the required statutory reserves of the banks increased by 12.3 percent, to $52.7 billion, with reserves in excess of the minimum requirement standing at $28.1 billion, unchanged from the 2018 level.

E. Prices and Income Inflation Mr. Speaker, the 12-month inflation rate was 2.1 percent in December 2019, 0.5 percentage points higher than the rate in December 2018, largely driven by higher food prices.

Interest Rates Over the review period, the 182-day and 364-day treasury bill yield rates declined by 7 basis points and 23 basis points, to 0.89 percent and 1.00 percent, respectively. The 91-day (Turn to page 14)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget Speech by the Hon. Minister of... treasury bill yield rate, in contrast, remained unchanged at 1.54 percent.

The commercial bank weighted average lending rate declined by 85 basis points, to 9.18 percent, while the small savings rate also declined, by 7 basis points, to 0.97 percent.

Exchange Rates Mr. Speaker, the official exchange rate of the Guyana dollar to the US dollar was $208.5 in December 2019, unchanged from December 2018. The market mid-rate of the Guyana dollar to the US dollar, however, was $214.7; a depreciation from $213.2 in December 2018, while the Guyana dollar to the British pound was $260.2; an appreciation from $271.7.

Income Mr. Speaker, this Government is committed to supporting the income of not just public servants, but all Guyanese. We are highly cognisant of the fact that income levels remain below par; the current public and private sector minimum wages are inadequate to allow the average person a due level of independence at a reasonable standard of living. This situation is further complicated with the onset of COVID-19. To provide some immediate relief, we would have announced a $25,000 unconditional cash transfer to households which is intended to supplement household income in this time of economic downturn which, for many, has resulted in reduced working hours and take-home pay.

The recently announced series of measures will also result in additional disposable income being made available to households. Some of these include the removal of value-added tax (VAT) on electricity, water, medical supplies, cell phones and building and construction materials. These are in keeping with our commitment improve incomes.

F. Fiscal Position Non-Financial Public Sector Mr. Speaker, a non-financial public sector deficit (after grants) of $39.3 billion was recorded for 2019, an improvement from the $44.2 billion deficit recorded at the end of 2018, supported by higher revenue collection and higher grants, which grew by 15.5 percent, or $31.9 billion, and 10.8 percent, or $1.2 billion, respectively.

Central Government At the end of 2019, Central Government recorded a deficit of $29.9 billion, widening by 11.5 percent when compared with the deficit recorded in 2018, largely driven by an increase in total expenditure. Central Government current revenue for 2019 totalled $240.6 billion, $23.6 billion above that of 2018. Tax collections accounted for 93.9 percent of the 2019 current revenue, amounting to almost $226 billion, $27.5 billion above the 2018 tax collection. The growth in tax revenue is attributed to greater collections from all tax divisions – internal revenue, customs and trade, VAT and excise tax, which increased by $15.9 billion, $2.9 billion, $4.6 billion and $4.1 billion, respectively.

Further, growth in internal revenue was driven largely by withholding taxes, personal income tax and corporation tax from the private sector, which grew by $9.5 billion, $3.4 billion and $2 billion, respectively. Higher VAT collections was largely the result of growth in revenue from domestically supplied goods, which grew by 14.4 percent, or $3.3 billion. Growth in collections of excise tax is attributed mainly to higher collections on imports of petroleum products and motor vehicles. These grew by 10.5 percent, or $2.8 billion, and 17.7 percent, or $1.2 billion, respectively.

Non-tax revenues for 2019 totalled $14.6

billion, 21.1 percent, or $3.9 billion lower than the $18.5 billion collected in 2018, largely on account of reduced profits from the Central Bank and lower transfers from statutory and non-statutory bodies.

Mr. Speaker, Central Government expenditure for 2019 totalled $282.5 billion, growing by 10.9 percent, or $27.8 billion, when compared with 2018 total expenditure.

Non-interest expenditure grew by 8.7 percent, from $191.1 billion in 2018, to $207.7 billion in 2019, driven by growth in all sub-categories – personal emoluments, other goods and services, and transfer payments. These sub-categories grew by $9.1 billion, $6.7 billion, and $824.6 million, respectively. Expenditure on interest payments remained stable at $8.5 billion, while capital expenditure grew by $11.2 billion, when compared with 2018, to reach $66.3 billion.

ongoing to ensure the consistent treatment of T-bills issued for fiscal purposes.

Going forward, we intend to strengthen Guyana’s governance architecture for public debt management by undertaking a transformative work programme, which would entail the completion and enactment of a Public Debt Management Bill. Enactment of this Bill would promote transparency, accountability and sustainability by enshrining and reinforcing key elements of sound debt management. These elements include: the authority to borrow and debt ceilings; the establishment of clear debt management objectives; the mandatory formulation and implementation of a Medium-Term Debt Management Strategy and an Annual Borrowing Plan, among others.

Public Enterprises The overall deficit of the PEs at the end of 2019 was $9.4 billion, an improvement from the deficit of $17.3 billion recorded at the end of 2018. This was attributed to higher expected revenue, combined with lower total expenditure. The Public Enterprises receipts grew by 2.4 percent, or $2.8 billion, while total expenditure declined by 3.9 percent, or $5.1 billion, when compared with the position at the end of 2018.

A. Introduction Mr. Speaker, as Guyanese we all want a society which is free, prosperous, socially-just, globally competitive and which serves every citizen equitably. Every Guyanese must be afforded a good education, decent work, be able to start their own businesses, raise and provide for a family, own their own homes, live in a safe and secure environment and retire with dignity. Every Guyanese must have access to comprehensive and quality healthcare, clean water, be able to participate in sports and recreation and freely practice their religion and culture. We believe our hard work and sacrifice, bolstered by an economy strengthened by a well-managed oil and gas sector, must guarantee the next generation of Guyanese a brighter and better future.

Having finally navigated the treacherous political uncertainties, the management of the COVID-19 pandemic, both as a health emergency and an economic crippler, is of paramount importance. Strengthening our public health response and capability, while finding avenues for stimulating economic growth is the challenge of the hour. A major focus is relieving hardships at the household level, and supporting micro and small businesses, as well as cushioning the adverse effect being experienced by vulnerable groups.

Our national disaster preparedness and management systems have supported our people in times of floods and droughts, and other natural disasters. The scope and role of these systems will have to evolve and expand to be better prepared, not only as we continue to battle COVID-19, but as we recognise the emerging diseases profile that besets the world.

As such, the capacity of the Civil Defence Commission and related stakeholders will be strengthened and improved, as we work to ensure that disaster risk management planning, coordination and response are robust and effective at the national, regional and sector-specific levels.

G. Public Debt Management Mr. Speaker, this Administration intends to pursue a debt management strategy premised on contracting development financing and meeting debt service obligations at the lowest possible cost, over the medium- to long-term, within acceptable risk parameters.

This approach would engender the continued sustainability of Guyana’s public debt, which totalled US$1.79 billion at end-2019, a 1.1 percent decline compared to the end-2018 position of US$1.71 billion. This decline was attributed to reductions in both external and domestic public debt.

External public debt decreased by 1.3 percent, from US$1.32 billion at the end of 2018, to US$1.31 billion at the end of 2019, mainly on account of a US$50.7 million debt reduction granted by Kuwait, after the finalisation and signing of a bilateral debt settlement agreement in March 2019. The domestic debt stock declined by 0.7 percent, from US$386.3 million at the end of 2018, to US$383.6 million at the end of 2019, mainly due to principal repayments under a National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Debenture and on Treasury Bills (T-bills). The public debt to GDP ratio at end-2019 was 32.6 percent, representing a 3.2 percentage-point reduction compared to end2018. This ratio is expected to decline further over the short- to medium-term, in view of Guyana’s robust economic growth projections.

In 2019, total public debt service payments amounted to US$84.4 million, marginally lower than the 2018 figure of US$85.4 million.

This decrease resulted primarily from lower interest costs on domestic T-bills. Domestic debt service payments amounted to US$6.3 million, 19 percent lower than the previous year, and comprised of principal repayments of US$1.3 million, and interest payments of US$5 million. Meanwhile, external debt service payments amounted to US$78.1 million in 2019, 0.6 percent higher than the previous year, and comprised of principal repayments of US$54.6 million, and interest payments of US$23.5 million. In 2019, 6.8 percent of government revenues went towards external public debt service, a 0.6 percentage point decrease compared to 7.4 percent in 2018. This decline was primarily attributable to an 11 percent increase in government revenues. Work is

AGENDA 2020: OUR PLAN FOR PROSPERITY

B. Macroeconomic Outlook Mr. Speaker, in a time when the world faces an uncertain future, Guyana is better poised than many countries to emerge from the crisis more rapidly, and with a more resilient economic base. While this Budget will focus primarily on addressing the health and economic crises resulting from the pandemic, in the medium-term, investments will focus on creating the conditions to catapult Guyana towards prosperity, such that all of our people reap the benefits of the petroleum revenue windfall. These investments will be grounded in the tenets of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) – low deforestation, low carbon, climate resilient economy. In this regard, Budget Agencies will, over the coming months

(From page 13)

review and update medium-term strategies to ensure that we are able to deliver transformative development.

However, Mr. Speaker, we are also mindful of the volatility inherent in petroleum revenues, as well as the risk of overheating the economy by spending too much too quickly. As such, the medium term-fiscal framework will see a paced and conservative ramp up in spending, financed by the prudent use of petroleum revenues and decreasing reliance on debt.

C. Improved Governance and Institutional Reforms Governance Mr. Speaker, as Guyana becomes an economic powerhouse, and the lives of our people are improved, our country must, with renewed vigour, pursue priorities to strengthen freedom, establish a firm commitment to democratic traditions whilst framing our priorities to be more inclusive, transparent, accountable and equitable. We will continue to promote good governance, respect for the constitution and the human rights of all Guyanese, while fostering an economic environment where jobs flourish and there is guaranteed income for people. The constitution must be a dynamic framework, subjected to continuous adjustments after widespread consultation with the people.

Mr. Speaker, the decision by His Excellency, President Irfaan Ali, to establish a Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance indicates the importance that His Government is giving to parliamentary democracy, good governance, transparency and accountability.

This is the first time that this focus has been elevated to the level of a Ministry, with the mandate of managing the diverse affairs of Government in the Parliament of Guyana, to respond actively and effectively to Parliamentary matters on behalf of Government; ensuring effective, accountable and transparent institutions; promoting responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels; and, coordinating the Constitutional and Electoral Reform processes.

The focus of this Ministry is in line with the promises made during the election campaign that “good governance is indispensable for a strong and fair democratic system. The new and expansive economy, the development of a higher standard of living, the demand for inclusivity, transparency and accountability, improved local governance, the legislative and monitoring roles of Parliament and the accountability of Cabinet all require appropriate effective governance policies and measures.”

Mr. Speaker, after the last five years of reversals, this Ministry brings additional attention to implementing the Government’s commitment to return to “Making Our Government Systems More Accessible, Inclusive and Open to all,” at all levels. With an active legislative agenda and oversight measures, we shall continue to: i. Uphold the separation of the powers of the executive, the legislature and the judiciary; ii. Ensure non-interference by the Executive in the work of the Constitutional bodies; iii. Promote continuous reform and accountability of the criminal justice system to ensure justice is delivered in a timely way with regards for human rights; iv. Ensure that there is no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation in the workplace, education and health sectors or in any other areas of national life; and, v. Foster diversity and inclusiveness to ensure that all Guyanese benefit and feel that they are an integral part of the decision-making (Turn to page 15)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Budget Speech by the Hon. Minister of... processes that affect their daily lives.

Constitutional Reform Mr. Speaker, this Administration is committed to continuous revision of the Constitution. In this regard, we will ensure that the Committee on Constitutional Reform that will advance the work, will pursue nationwide consultation following the model used in the past, that is, with half of the members from civil society and equal representation from Government and the Opposition. As I just mentioned, the creation of the Ministry with responsibility for governance will ensure that these important processes are finally given the due attention they deserve to ensure their swift and meaningful undertaking.

Strengthening Local Government Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C believes strongly in community development, regional improvement and national collaboration. Therefore, we will implement our manifesto programme for local government which details strategic actions that will improve the efficacy of our Local Democratic Organs (LDOs).

Over the last 5 years the previous Administration used LDOs as a slush fund. We would have observed an inflated workforce from the hiring of political actors, and this would have cost taxpayers millions of dollars. Mr. Speaker, there was no record or report of the work done by most of these employees. From all accounts, LDOs were underperforming and negatively impacted as a result of an unclear policy direction.

Mr. Speaker, under this new Administration, the regional bodies and the Neighborhood Democratic Councils will be strengthened to better engender local democracy. The Ministry of Local Government has been reestablished to focus on this agenda and now has dedicated programmes to oversee development at the regional and local government levels. A 3-year strategic plan for local government and an institutional gap analysis for five municipalities – Bartica, Linden, Georgetown, New Amsterdam and Lethem – has been completed. We will review the contents of these analyses for consistency with the national policy directive and determine their utility for future interventions.

The local government representatives of the people will be supported by policy direction and additional funding through increased subventions and institutional strengthening to more effectively manage their resources and take on greater maintenance responsibilities for infrastructural development. We will bolster citizens’ access to community spaces and services, and ensure that the various programmes of the 10 administrative regions are supported by the relevant sector agencies and ministries.

Mr. Speaker this Government will place emphasis on improving citizens’ awareness of the importance and role of the local government system and how they may participate in its development.

Public Administration and Public Financial Management i. Public Service Human Resource Development Mr. Speaker, the PPP/C programme for job creation in the new and emerging sectors, as well as in the traditional sectors, must be bolstered by a well-trained, technically equipped and disciplined workforce. Government will pursue strategic initiatives to ensure efficient and effective human resource management as well as human resource development.

Mr Speaker, we must ensure equal access and equal opportunity is afforded so that a diverse and efficient public service is realised. As such, fully-funded Government of Guyana scholarships will be made available. Department and agencies of the Government will be incentivised to ensure good employment policies and greater efficiency, while addressing the critical issue of emoluments packages. We cannot afford to continue to lose our talented and efficient public servants because we are unable to pay them a competitive wage, and neither can we continue to reward inefficient public servants who bring disrepute to the public service. As such, Mr. Speaker, we intend to oversee and implement new management practices, such as a Performance Management System, while exploiting technological advancements. With the expansion of information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, the red-tape and processing time must be significantly reduced. A system based on meritocracy and transparency will be actively pursued. There will be equal access and equal opportunity. A diverse and efficient public service is anticipated. ii. Revenue Management Mr. Speaker, in the area of tax administration, this Government will prioritise the rapid deployment of electronic tax services to the population. With the pandemic likely to persist into the new year, and possibly beyond, we must reconfigure

how we do business. We will be preparing to deploy a revenue management system software which will gradually replace the tax component of the existing Total Revenue Integrated Processing System. It is expected to comprehensively automate tax administration procedures; enhance taxpayer compliance; and improve efficiency in tax administration through accuracy, completeness and timeliness of tax collection and reporting.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) is yet to complete the roll-out of ASYCUDA (Automated System for Customs Data), an initiative which began many years ago. Delays have been encountered with the Electronic Single Administrative Document module of ASYCUDA regarding connectivity and the procedure for trans-shipment between ports. We will be providing the necessary support to GRA to ensure these long-standing initiatives finally come to close and finally yield benefit to the people. iii. Public Investment Management Mr. Speaker, the Public Sector Investment Programme

(From page 14)

(PSIP) is one of Government’s principal vehicles for driving catalytic change. These investments create jobs, add value, connect the factors of production and have many other spin-off effects in the economy. Over the last five years, the PSIP has not been able to deliver the change that it should have. Not one new major project has been completed. The state of Public Investment Management (PIM) needs to be rapidly improved and the roll-out of a systematic, criteria-based approach, is paramount and, as such, is a priority for this Administration.

Preparatory work is underway to finally implement a formalised approach to PIM which will be elaborated in the Budget 2021 call circular. This will ensure that the quality and efficacy of the PSIP are improved by assuring, in advance, the viability of new projects being selected. Additionally, Government will be prioritising public-sector wide capacity building in project management, planning, and cost-benefit analysis and other appraisal techniques.

(To be continued next week)

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Speaker tests positive President seeks UK for COVID-19 help to investigate

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he Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 Response team, last week, administered the COVID-19 test to House Speaker, Manzoor Nadir, and Clerk of the National Assembly, Sherlock Isaacs, after they were exposed to two APNU+AFC Coalition Parliamentarians who tested positive.

The Speaker has since tested positive and conducted Wednesday’s (Sep-

tember 9, 2020) sitting of the National Assembly virtually.

Having tested positive for COVID-19 on August 24, 2020, Opposition Parliamentarians, Christopher Jones and Sherod Duncan, less than two weeks later, attended the convening of the 12th Parliament on September 1, 2020.

Jones and Duncan also interacted with a number of

parliamentarians as well as ancillary staffers, including a private meeting between Opposition parties, the Speaker and Clerk of the National Assembly.

Isaacs, last week, disclosed that he was informed of Jones and Duncan’s diagnosis by the COVID-19 Screening Unit stationed at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre – where Parliament is being held

owing to the regulations for combatting the spread of the deadly disease.

Notably, Jones, despite being informed of his diagnosis prior to attending the convening of the 12th Parliament, did not adhere to the COVID-19 protocols.

The protocols stipulate that once tested positive, the patient goes into quarantine for 14 days and is then retested to confirm recovery.

Berbice murders

‒ UN support to address racial strife on the cards ‒ COI into unrest being mulled

A

s the unrests in Regions 5 and 6 mount, President Irfaan Ali announced that he reached out to the British Government and the Regional Security System (RSS) to visit Guyana and support the Guyana Police Force’s investigative capacity into the recent murders.

The head of state said he will also explore all systems and protocols available within the United Nations (UN) system to deal with persons who spread hate and racial strife in speech and in action.

“We need to understand who instigated, what was instigated and as a result, I am exploring the commissioning of an International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) to look at every aspect of this situation, to look beyond what took place on the ground, to look at the behaviours that came about as a result of statements made. The CoI is important for us to have a comprehensive understanding as to what took place,” the President said in taking national interventions to address the West Coast Berbice (WCB) murders and the ensuing unrest.

The President thanked the Guyana Police Force and the Guyana Defence Force for the tireless work that they have been doing. “I am confident that they will bring the situation to order. They have assured me that they will be using all available resources and laws, in keeping with the protocols and guidelines, to ensure that the situation does not escalate. I call upon all Guyanese to refrain from endangering each other’s life, as I assure you that this government will work to bring justice to every single person who has been affected in these circumstances,” the head of state explained.

The President said that

the authorities must get to the bottom of the incident, and, whatever support is needed, he will reach towards that support.

He reflected that the events surrounding these horrific and barbaric acts of murder and the criminality that saw the loss of property, that saw even the loss of lives, people being chopped, robbed and brutally assaulted, require a more comprehensive and holistic review and as such, we need to get to the bottom of this.

“I have asked the Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs to explore, within the United Nations system, all means available to hold to account, all those who spread race hate and instigate racial strife,” the President added.

The commander-in-chief said that the time has come for government to deal with this issue very frontally.

“The time has come for us to deal with it very seriously and no one must believe that they can use situations like these for any political gain.

There is no gain whether politically, socially, economically, morally or culturally.

There is no gain that you can get out of this. The only persons who lose are the families who are suffering, the people who received and who were inflicted with blows and loss of property and the country; the credibility and image of our country suffer greatly,” the President explained.

Underscoring that Guyana must not leave these things unanswered, Dr. Ali said he cannot leave them unanswered, and, as President, he decided to proceed with the steps mentioned, and bring, swiftly to justice, all those who were part of the horrific acts.

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Corentyne Poultry farmers receive promised support P

oultry farmer, Abdul Rasheed Latiff who suffered in excess of GY $4M in losses after his poultry farm was flooded last September, today received 300 chicks and 100 bags of poultry feed to assist with resuming his operations.

The items were handed over by Agriculture Minister, Zulfikar Mustapha while on an outreach to several villages and communities along the East Berbice, Corentyne area.

While visiting the area, Minister Mustapha informed the farmer that this donation is just part of the assistance that will be given to the affected farmers in the area.

“After I visited the area

and saw the amount of damaged that was done to your farms, I met with a number of private individuals who expressed their willingness to help. Of course, you know that we are working without a budget so there wasn’t much that the government could do at this time. However, I made it my duty to reach out to public spirited citizens and I’m here today to make good on the promises made during my last visit,” Minister Mustapha said.

Minister Mustapha also disclosed that other farmers who were affected will soon receive their packages.

He said that an additional

1500 to 2000 birds and genetic materials will be made available before the end of September, 2020.

He further noted that Guyana Livestock Development Authority (GLDA) has been working with the affected farmers in the area by hosting workshops to educate farmers how to effectively construct their pens and properly dispose of animal remains.

Mr. Latiff, one of the largest poultry farmers in the community, suffered over $4M in losses after his chicken farm, which is located in Number 57 Village, Corentyne, was flooded.

Presidential grants to be increased

T

he Presidential Grant fund, which Amerindian villages benefit from annually to pursue sustainable village projects, is to be increased. This was announced

by Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Pauline Sukhai during a meeting with Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and Advisor to the Government on Civil Aviation, Mr. Lenox Shuman.

Minister Sukhai was at the time updating Mr. Shuman on some of the programmes and policies being pursued by the Government to improve the living standard of Amerindians in Guyana.

The Presidential Grant programme, which started under the PPP/C Administration in 2007, is one of the major interventions undertaken to boost economic and social development for the Amerindians in their respective communities. Villages and communities currently receive between $500,000 to $2,000,000 based on their population size.

Projects supported under

the grant include the procurement of boats, engines, buses, tractors and trailers and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).

It also covers agricultural enterprises such as cattle and chicken poultry rearing, cash crop farming and tourism ventures inclusive of the construction of guesthouses, eco-lodges and benabs. The construction of pavilions, multi-purpose halls, village offices, village shops, roads, trails, bridges and revetments are also funded under the grant.

The Minister expressed disappointment that the grant was not increased over the last five years by the former administration. “We have applied for it to be increased, five years and they haven’t increased it. Normally we would increase presidential grant periodically so we have put in for an increase,” the minister said.

Minister Sukhai also stressed that the aim going forward, is to ensure these grants are delivered to villages in a timely manner and that all the villages

receive their grants within the prescribed year. “They even allowed presidential grants to go back, so when we are giving 215 grants, if 100 grants make it out for the year, 115 goes back into the consolidated fund and they can’t get it back.

I have to change that to ensure that all 215 within the year gets their presidential grant so that they can have some form of investment fund small as it is, to generate some happiness among themselves and manage a successful project.”

Mr. Shuman commended this move and committed to working with the government and specifically the Amerindian Affairs Ministry to develop the lives of Guyana’s first peoples.

Among other areas discussed was the Amerindian Land Titling and Demarcation Programme, and the reintroduction of the Community Support Officers programme, the laptop programme and the household solar panel programme.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Bharrat solidifies Gov’t Gov’t remains support to the Guyana Council committed of Organisations for Persons to accountability with Disabilities

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he Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, M.P., has solidified the support of the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) towards the work of the Guyana Council of Organisations for Persons with Disabilities (GCOPD).

This was done during a meeting between Min-

ister Bharrat and senior members of the GCOPD at the Minister’s Duke Street office.

Minister Bharrat and the members of the organisation discussed pertinent issues affecting Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and possible opportunities for them to have a more

active voice in the natural resources sector. From this, the Minister offered his commitment to assisting and partnering with the organisation in the areas possible to ensure involvement.

The Minister and by extension the MNR acknowledges the outstanding

work of the organisation regarding the representation of PWDs and commends the team for the job being done. The Ministry restates its commitment to improving livelihoods through civic engagement within the sector as it aims to ensure accountability and transparency.

and transparency – Minister assures

A

s part of the Government’s commitment towards accountability and transparency within the Natural Resources Sectors, Vickram Bharrat, recently held virtual meetings with the Guyana Extractive Industries and Transparency Initiative (GYEITI) Multi-Stakeholder Group and the USAID Project supporting the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative in Guyana.

The Natural Resources Minister was updated by the Co-Chairs of the GYEITI on the work of the organization and challenges which will require the support of the Ministry. As such, Minister Bharrat reassured that the Government and the Ministry of Natural Resources remains

prudent with regard to accountability and transparency, and will remain engaged to overcome the challenges.

Further, during Minister Bharrat’s engagement with the USAID EITI Project, several areas were discussed for capacity building, public awareness and other areas of collaboration. He also highlighted the importance of oversight for the oil and gas sector which is fairly new to the Guyanese population.

Meanwhile, the Natural Resources Minister pointed out that the oil and gas sector will be subjected to great scrutiny and is looking forward to enhance collaboration with the project for stakeholders’ awareness and continued engagement.

East Bank bypass road project redesigned to fit USD$50M loan

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oving ahead with its development agenda that will see an enhancement of traffic flow along the East Bank of Demerara corridor, the Government has retailored the Ogle to Diamond bypass road project to conform with the loan available to execute the major works.

Minister within the Ministry of Public Works, Deodat Indar said the new four lane East Coast-East Bank Linkage Project will extend from Ogle to Hague Bosch, rather than to Diamond. This move will spare taxpayers approximately USD$158Million.

“What was driving up that [project] cost was a number of connectors on the road,” Minister Indar cited.

Identifying the previously proposed connection at Mocha as a difficult area to execute works, the Minister noted the swamp terrain saw

astronomical increases in the total project cost.

“For you to do those swamps, the cost of the earth works pushed up the cost to $208Million. Remember, the Indian Government only had $50Million allocated to this project. So, we had to redesign the project to bring it to the original design,” Minister Indar explained.

The Minister further confirmed that India has accepted the new design for the roadworks. As such, the Government is moving ahead to implement the project that was stalled for 5 years under the former APNU+AFC Coalition administration.

At the completion of Phase 1 of the project (Diamond to Hague Bosch), Minister Indar said the administration will forge ahead with the extension of the bypass road further up the East Bank of Demerara to Timehri.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Agriculture Minister assesses Skeldon, Rose Hall Estates – new GuySuCo B.O.D to be announced soon

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hile on an outreach to villages along the East Berbice, Corentyne area, Agriculture Minister Zulfikar Mustapha visited the Skeldon and Rose Hall Estates.

During his first official visit since being appointed Minister of Agriculture, Minister Mustapha was able to assess the state of the estates as government moves forward with its plans of reopening the closed estates.

Minister Mustapha while responding to questions by the media, said that The Guyana Sugar Corporation (GuySuCo) has a team set up to provide Government with details on what is needed to reopen the estates.

“We’ve appointed Mr. Vishnu Panday, who is the

former estate manager for the Skeldon estate as the point person/General Manager to move forward at this particular point in time. He will have a small team of technical officers working with him to develop an immediate plan of action to urgently determine what is needed at this estate right now. GuySuCo has already sent a team here and they have supplied me with a detailed plan on the current state of affairs here,” Minister Mustapha said.

The subject Minister added that in order to reopen the estates, a conditional survey has to be conducted.

He added, that along with the conditional survey which will include an analysis of the factory and the cane fields,

4,000 free online courses available to Guyanese T

he Ministry of Education has announced the provision of free access to 4,000 certified online courses, following a partnership with the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) Courses are being offered by ivy league universities and other reputable institutions in areas of study such as Arts, Business, Computer Science, Health and Engineering on the online platform, Coursera.

Upon completion, all students will be presented with a recognised certificate.

The initiative is aimed at providing online learning to equip persons with the necessary skills for the job

market and creating a stage for higher performance in an evolving technological world.

The Education Ministry is encouraging all interested persons to apply for the free courses. The deadline for submission of registration is September 30, 2020.

Interested persons can register online at: http://education.gov.gy/UpSkill The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) is an intergovernmental organisation created by Commonwealth Heads of Government in 1987 to promote the development and sharing of open learning and distance education knowledge, resources and technologies.

farmers will be engaged to boost cane supply to the factory since Skeldon is heavily dependent on farmers’ cane.

“We have to consult the cane farmers because they contribute greatly to the operations of this particular lo-

cation. They contribute over 33% of the cane used at this factory so we will work with them and GuySuCo to ensure we have enough cane for the factory,” Minister Mustapha said.

The team is expected to

submit a plan of action to Government within a week.

It was also disclosed that Dr. N.K. Goopaul and Mr. Aaron Dukhai were also appointed in the same capacity as Mr. Panday to the Enmore and Rose Hall Estates respec-

tively. The subject Minister also mentioned that a New Board of Directors for GuySuCo will soon be in place and will work closely with stakeholders to move this process apace.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

PM appeals for calm as protest actions escalate P

rime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips; Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Robeson Benn; Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr. Vindhya Persaud and Advisor on National Security to the Minister of Home Affairs, Mr. Harry Gill, on Tuesday (September 7, 2020), visited the parents and relatives of murdered teenagers, Masters Isaiah and Joel Henry, at their respective homes in Number Three Village, Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five).

The Prime Minister and

his delegation, in a private visit with the bereaved families, extended their condolences and reassured them that the Police are working swiftly to bring the perpetrators to justice. “I feel for the families. I have grandchildren around the same age and it’s a great loss for the village,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

During the visit, protesting villagers erected several blockages along the West Coast Berbice roadway. The delegation, during engagements with them, urged them

to desist from doing same as the barriers were hampering the Police’s ability to properly conduct their investigations. The blockages were also obstructing persons from traversing the only access road to Mahaica-Berbice (Region Five) and East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).

“We understand how you feel [and] we understand that you are angry, but we call upon everyone here to just calm down, be a bit patient and allow the law to take its course…. What is important

is that the Police have started their investigation and we need to allow the Police to finish their work. The Police, I am confident, will get to the bottom of this issue.

They will find out eventually who committed this criminal act against these two young men that resulted in the loss of their lives, but we need to give the Police space,” the Prime Minister said.

The Prime Minister’s call reiterated a similar call made yesterday by President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who said seeking justice for the

Henry cousins cannot be associated with criminality.

In a statement, President Ali said, “This behaviour is an injustice to the case of these two victims”. The President also noted that the Police Force had briefed him on the progress of their investigation and had assured him that they would leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for the teens. President Ali condemned the brutal murders and reiterated the Government’s commitment to bringing the perpetrators to justice.

Meanwhile, Minister Benn assured protestors that there will be no “cover up”.

He said the Police had arrested seven persons and their investigations are continuing. “We will ensure that the matter will be resolved without fear or favour, but we cannot allow a situation, which will allow continued law breaking. We have to ensure peace in the country and good relations between the communities,” he said.

The meetings came as protest actions have been escalating.

Statement by President Dr. Irfaan Ali on the murder of Berbice teen

Guyanese must remain calm, ERC must probe irresponsible statements by Harmon

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t is again with a very heavy heart that as President, I have to address Guyanese on another barbaric incident. The criminals who snuffed the lives out of Joel and Isaiah were barbaric in nature. There is no other way to describe it. The criminals who snuffed the life out of Haresh Singh, seventeen years-old are equally barbaric.

It is in the interest of all Guyanese, of all of Guyana that these criminals are brought to justice swiftly.

I had the unfortunate task

of speaking to the grandmother and brother-in-law of Haresh, just as I spoke to the parents of Isaiah and Joel and the pain is immense, the pain, and the grief, is immense.

The criminals who are robbing people, the criminals who are beating people, the criminals who are chopping people, need to be brought to justice also. There is no other way to describe this. It is criminality, it has nothing to do with standing up for justice. Raping people’s children, robbing people, tram-

Teen boy beaten to death at No. 3 Village as protest escalates

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aresh Singh, 17, of Number 3 Village, West Coast Berbice (WCB) was murdered in the backlands on Wednesday (September 9, 2020), as protests escalated over the murder of two teens Joel and Isaiah Henry.

Singh was heading into the backlands with his motorcycle to transport water for his uncles at around 06:00hours when he was attacked and beaten. He was found by his 12-year-old brother with multiple injuries at around 11:30hours.

The teen died on the way to the New Amsterdam Pub-

lic Hospital.

In a statement the Guyana Police Force said, “Information received so far is that the victim left home on his motorcycle to attend his farm in the Backdam of No. 3 Vilage, West Coast Berbice, sometime after his relatives saw smoke arising from the said backdam and left to enquire when the discovered the body of Haresh Singh lying motionless and bleeding from the nose. His motor cycle was also discovered burnt.”

Police investigations are ongoing.

pling upon other rights, beating people, damaging property of innocent people, has nothing to do with justice. It is selfish, destructive and a flagrant disregard for the rule of law and the rights of people.

I can understand the hurt along all the corridors in Region Five; the Prime Minister himself and a team from Government went and they had many difficulties to get to the families. I have spoken to many families who were beaten, robbed, traumatised, had their property destroyed.

Today, farmers’ rice fields are burnt.

No leader can condone this. It is in this regard that I find the statement of Joseph Harmon unhelpful to the situation. For a matter of fact, it is his statement that would have ignited the situation on the ground. Calling this a struggle against a fraudulent Government and oppression tells you the extent to which Mr. Harmon is trying to misuse the circumstances that surround us as a nation.

The death of these three young men has nothing to do with oppression of any Government. This is not a struggle against a fraudulent Government. We respect the rights of every single Guyanese

to peacefully demonstrate, to peacefully let their feelings and thoughts be heard, that is our fundamental right that this Government supports.

I am calling on Ethnic Relations Committee (ERC) to investigate the statement of Mr. Joseph Harmon, the statement that was inciteful and filled with hate. This is not the type of leadership our country needs at this time when we are trying to heal and bring communities together.

As President, it is painful to address fellow Guyanese on the death of young men, the brutal murder of young men, three young men now. The murders and barbaric individuals, not worth to be classified as humans, must be brought to justice in all three instances and will be brought to justice.

And those who are causing chaos and havoc on the streets, criminals disguising in protest, robbing people, beating people, burning property, you are acting unlawfully and the police has assured me, the Joint Services have assured me that they are not going to tolerate this type of behaviour.

As Guyanese, this is the time for us to act in a responsible manner. This is the time for us to act in a mature manner; this is the time for us to bring

Guyana together. Leaders must not misuse the circumstances.

They must not use this as a tool to achieve selfish desires.

They must not see this as an opportunity to whip up trouble in our country.

The irresponsibility from the statement from Joseph Harmon leaves much to be desired. I call upon all the leaders of this country. I call upon all the democratic institutions to condemn what is taking place, to condemn the actions of the criminals, the murderers and those who are creating havoc in the communities by beating, chopping robbing and raping people.

And not only to condemn, but to join me in calling for swift and decisive action against those who are bent on criminal behaviour. I want to assure the residents of Region Five that I will be there. I have been talking to families, to community leaders and have been monitoring the meetings and being briefed on a continuous basis from the Police, the Army Chief, on the situation on the ground. I totally understand the hurt. I assure you that I am spending all of my time not only monitoring, but pushing forward for solutions.

I will be in every community across this country to bring

healing, to talk to residents, to work with you on your priorities, but I call on you all to be responsible, to be peaceful. Let the Police conduct their investigations, let the Police conduct their work, allow them to act professionally, allow them to get effectively and efficiently to the bottom of this all. I call upon all Guyanese to remain calm, to remain peaceful. I, once again, urge residents in Region Five to act in accordance with the law. That you must act in accordance with the law. That you cannot continue to block the roadways, that you cannot allow persons to inflict harm on others and destroy their property. That has nothing to do with justice that has nothing to do with the lives of these three young men. That is another agenda that must be stopped and will be stopped.

I urge all of us to take some time out and to put our country first; to allow for healing, to allow for unity, to allow the hurt and the families who are dealing with this grief and this hurt, and this pain, allow them to be respected in this difficult time. I ask all of us to keep our country, our citizens, the relatives of these young men and these young men also in our prayers and thoughts. Thank you. (September 9, 2020)

Attacks against Indo-Guyanese unjustified – father of slain teen A s attacks against Indo-Guyanese escalate, following the murders of teen boys – Isaiah Henry and Joel Henry, 19 – the father of one of the boys has made clear that the attacks are unjustified.

Speaking just after witnessing the Post Mortem Examination (PME), Isaiah Henry’s father, Glasdon Henry, said, ““The person that commit the act should pay for

the crime, don’t attack people because of their race…let’s not see this thing as black or white or Chinese because if a black man had done this and it wasn’t my family, I believe in my heart that he will have to pay the penalty.”

He called for any protest action to be peaceful. “I am not supporting unmoral protesting… if you want to protest, which is your right, you must do it peacefully

and in doing it peacefully we cannot be fighting against one another,” he said.

Further, the man noted that the issue at hand is a criminal matter, not one to do with race. “I am not racist, I still love my Indian brothers and sisters…I am not a racial person. I born in #3 [Village] and I live among Indian people, we eat together, we sleep together; the majority of my friends is Indian friends and

because of how I was moving they give me a nickname, and that nickname is geerah and the meaning of geerah is that they come up with is because geerah have to go in the dhall and the majority of friends is Indian,” he said.

ATTACKS Meanwhile, over the past few days of protest, one Indo-Guyanese teenager, Ganesh Singh, was murdered

on Wednesday (September 9, 2020) morning.

By Wednesday (September 9, 2020) afternoon, another person was killed. Pritipaul Hargobin, 34, from Bath Settlement, was in his motor vehicle when he met with the protestors. A licensed firearm holder, he exited his vehicle and discharged one round in the air, before discharging several more rounds. He was attacked by the mob and beat-

en. By the time he was rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, he was pronounced dead.

The home of a Neighbourhood Democratic Council (NDC) Chairman, Roy Jaffarally, on Wednesday (September 9, 2020) was also stoned. Jaffarally, at the time, was home with his wife and two children, ages 10 and 4, when protestors turned up and began stoning his Fort (Turn to page 23)

21

WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

President Ali pledges swift Statement by President justice for slain teens Dr. Irfaan Ali on the protest ‒ assures families of support

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he families of slain West Coast Berbice teenagers Masters Isaiah and Joel Henry were assured by President Dr. Irfaan Ali that he will work with law enforcement to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to swift justice.

The President made this commitment to the families, during a telephone call, this week, to Mr. Gladston Henry, the father of Master Isaiah Henry and Ms. Gail Johnson, the mother of Master Joel Henry, to express his condolences.

"This morning, I had the unfortunate task of speaking with the father of Isaiah and the mother of Joel. It is unfortunate because of the tragic way that these young men met their death. On behalf of the people of Guyana and my own behalf and that of my family and Government, I express our condolences to the family, to the parents," Ali said.

The President said the

murders are particularly heinous and reiterated his Government’s commitment to bring those responsible to justice. “I assure you that as President, I will work very, very hard to ensure those criminals are brought to justice…. We have to work on ensuring that crimes like these do not reoccur,” President Ali said.

The President also called on the nation, and Berbicians in particular, to stand in solidarity during this tragic time and to offer their support to the teenagers’ grieving parents, relatives and community.

"I want to ask all Guyanese not to use this moment to divide us or to separate us, but for us to be conscious of the implications that our statements, comments and posts can have, especially on social media… I can tell you the parents of these two young men are sincere; they are humble people,

and as they go through this moment of loss, as they grieve in these moments, communities from which these young men came… what we can do as a people, as a country, as Guyanese is to strengthen our resolve, strengthen our commitment, strengthen our sense of purpose to our communities, to our neighbours, to our friends, to each other in ensuring that our society… our communities do not have to go through these painful moments,” he said.

The President also called on the public to exercise patience and to allow the Guyana Police Force to conduct their investigations.

“I ask that you give them an opportunity to complete their work, to support them as they seek to aggressively bring the perpetrators to justice; that whatever we do in demonstrating our emotions, I appeal to you to do so in a peaceful manner, to do so in a respectful manner, to do so in a lawful manner,” President Ali said.

Benn urges end to violent protest in response to death of teens M inister of Home Affairs Robeson Benn has called on persons in communities on the West Coast of Berbice to desist from the ongoing violent protest. The protest broke out after two teenagers were found brutally murdered in Cotton Tree village.

“No one would want the escalation of any situation on the coast, including the resumption of blocking of the public highway to a point which will bring about a further deterioration in the law and order and to create the possibility of bringing more harm to residents of the area and to the destruction of property and further loss of life,” the Minister said during a press conference.

The Home Affairs Minister noted that the Guyana Police Force must be allowed to do a professional investigation into the matter.

“I want to continue to appeal to the residents, to the communities out there, to those upstanding and reasonable persons in the communities to bring their influence to bare to have a resort and a resumption to order and the unblocking of the roads,” Minister Benn

pleaded.

He noted that the members of the Guyana Police Force are in the communities and are making efforts to bring calm to the situation.

The Minister said that he recognized that due to the gruesome murder of the two teenagers, it would spark protest. However, he pointed out that blocking and burning of roads and causing harm to others will not solve the issue.

Commissioner of Police (ag) Nigel Hoppie said that thus far, three persons have been arrested in relation to the murder and are assisting with the investigation.

He also gave assurance that leads will be followed and no stone will be left unturned.

FULL STATEMENT ISSUED BY MINISTER BENN ON SEPTEMBER 9, 2020: The murder and mutilation of Isiah and Joel Henry remain a heinous crime which has been condemned all across Guyana.

The father of the murdered youths has repeatedly said that he will not support attacks on people of other races, amongst whom he has blood relations and

friends, but is requiring justice at the hand of the authorities!

Unfortunately, Messrs Granger and Harmon descended on the communities and in their statements and rhetoric created an atmosphere engendering unfounded suspicions leading to racial polarization and attacks. Further loss of life, injuries and property loss are being experienced!!

This escalation in violence rest squarely at the doors of these two gentlemen and specific known political agitators of their ilk!!

The emergence of these political vultures and associated criminal opportunists have led to a deteriorating spiral in safety and security in the areas!

Granger and Harmon bear the prime responsibility for the escalation in violence, injuries and death.

The Guyana Police Force is working hard to resolve what is clearly a criminal matter.

The Joint Services are increasing their efforts to restore calm to the affected areas!!

Only emergency and essential travel is recommended and that with the support of the police!

action in Region Five

Responsible actions needed to take us past current position S

eeking justice for Isaiah and Joel cannot be associated with the level of criminality, destruction of property and robbery committed on innocent Guyanese; this behaviour is an injustice to the case of these two victims.

The Police Force has briefed me on the severity of attacks, damage to property, robberies and brutality associated with a number of the protest action in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice). These individuals who continue to cause public harm and mischief cannot pretend to be doing so in the name of justice for Isaiah and Joel.

The Police has also updated me on the progress of their investigation and they

have assured that they will leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice for Joel and Isaiah is achieved, professionally.

They have also assured me that the individuals who

have caused harm to members of the public and private property will be identified and processed in accordance with the laws.

I call once again on all Guyanese to condemn the brutal murder of Joel and Isaiah and to also condemn the brutality and unlawful behaviour of those who have inflicted injury, and robbed and damaged property of innocent Guyanese.

This is a time for us to reflect as a nation and to redouble our efforts towards strengthening relations. I therefore urge all Guyanese to act responsibly especially those in Region Five, and in keeping with the laws of our country. (September 8, 2020)

PM engages outgoing PAHO/WHO rep….

Guyana to receive 20,000 more test kits, more P

rime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips has said Guyana is grateful for the continued support of the Pan American Health Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO), which has committed to providing an additional 20,000 test kits and other forms of support to bolster the country’s fight against the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Prime Minister made these statements after a meeting with the Country Representative of PAHO/WHO, Dr. William Adu-Krow at the Office of the Prime Minister on Thursday (September 3, 2020). He also commended Dr. Adu-Know, whom he says has been championing Guyana’s efforts during this challenging time. “He has been here for seven years and he has contributed immensely to the public health system here in Guyana. We continue to benefit throughout his tenure in Guyana from his expertise in dealing with the COVID-19 and public health management in general. This meeting was therefore an opportunity for me to thank him on behalf of the Government and the people of Guyana for his service

Prime Minister Brigadier Mark Phillips in talks with PAHO/ WHO Country Representative, Dr. William Adu- Krow

to us. He has worked tirelessly and overtime in helping us in Guyana,” Prime Minister Phillips said.

The Prime Minister has also urged the public to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines, which includes respecting the curfew in place, practicing social distancing, wearing a mask and regular sanitisation.

Meanwhile, Dr. AduKrow, who is preparing to wrap-up his tour of duty in Guyana, said that despite his imminent departure, PAHO/ WHO continues to work with the Government to ensure that the health care system is fortified and able to cope with the rise in cases. In this regard, he noted that the Government’s measures, including its decision to implement the curfew for the month of September, are wise and give the health

care system a chance to better mobilise and prepare. “We agreed that if we have the systems in place that are implemented and enforced for at least two weeks to a month, then it gives the system time to recover. It gives us enough time to get equipment in the country and have ventilators and medications in place.

[This will help] to prepare the health system and make it more robust to withstand the shock of rising cases. We have already purchased another 20,000 tests kits, which will arrive soon and the Government of India has also given us funds to purchase ventilators so I think we have what it takes to be able to fight the present situation. We want a robust health system to stand on its own and withstand the shocks,” Dr. Adu-Krow said.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

‘SMART’ Diamond PPP/C gov’t to fund small Diagnostic Centre cottage industries projects led by women clinical services to T resume in a month

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linical services at the Diamond Diagnostic Centre are set to resume one month following the completion of rehabilitation works.

This was announced

by Minister of Health, Dr. Frank Anthony this week.

The Health Minister explained that the East Bank of Demerara facility is divided into two broad sections. One provides clinical services while the other deals with the isolation of patients.

“The component that deals with patient isolation is still functional however, the component that has the clinical services, that has been temporarily closed because we have received

funding and we are upgrading that particular hospital,” Minister Anthony said adding that the upgrade is “part of a project called the SMART hospital project.”

The ‘SMART hospital’ concept refers to a health facility which is both safe and green. Hospitals and other health facilities embracing this concept must provide standard and efficient health care before, during, and even immediately after the event of any natural or manmade disaster.

In the meantime, some of the staff from the Diamond Diagnostic Center has been temporarily transferred to the Ocean View facility to lend support. Currently there are approximately 24

patients housed there.

The Health Minister also highlighted that the Government has been working tirelessly to improve regional health services.

“We have strengthened our regional response to the pandemic and in regions where we have seen a surge in cases, we have been sending additional medical personnel in terms of both doctors and nurses and other health personnel that is needed to bolster that response,” he noted.

Additionally, more Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being sent to these regions to ensure that medical professionals are properly protected when delivering health care services.

Human Services Minister pledges support to Deaf Association of Guyana S

ecuring a suitable building for members of the Deaf Association of Guyana to congregate for recreational activities is a commitment to be undertaken by the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security.

The need for a recreational area, job opportunities for the deaf, shortage of sign language translators, and funding were among several issues discussed when Directors of the Association met Dr. Vindhya Persaud, the

subject Minister, on September 4, 2020.

Against this backdrop, Minister Persaud recommended to Sabine McIntosh, the Association’s Managing Director, to submit a proposal detailing her short and long term priority projects which would be reviewed and where practicable be included in the Ministry’s 2021 budget for consideration.

In the meantime, she encouraged Ms McIntosh and her team to scout for

possible common spaces, including public buildings, to accommodate recreational activities.

Cognizant of the fact that the Ministry is people oriented, Hon. Persaud pledged to support any sign language training and other initiatives to bridge the gap between the deaf and the public, including staff within her Ministry.

Accompanying Ms. McIntosh to the meeting were Directors Ricky Mohamed and Quincy Richards.

“We need persons on the ground” – Minister Persaud to GWMO

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epresentatives of the Guyana Women Miners Organisation (GWMO) paid a courtesy call on Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Vindhya Persaud on September 4, 2020 where a candid discussion ensued on ways to strengthen the relationship between the Ministry and the Association.

The organization plays an active role in rescuing victims of child abuse, human trafficking and sexual exploitation/abuse in hinterland

communities.

Urica Primus, the Organisation’s president and Ms. Sheffield Douglas, Deputy Coordinator of the Organisation’s Social Services Committee revealed to the Minister some of the victims they saved were as young as age seven. The Minster was appalled by the disturbing facts and queried the status of the cases highlighted.

At the meeting’s conclusion, it was agreed a monthly meeting be scheduled with representatives from the

Minister’s office, the Childcare and Protection Agency (CPA), Counter-Trafficking In Persons (C-TIP) Unit, Guyana Women Miners Association and Child Advocacy Centres to facilitate information sharing “with the view of eliminating duplication of roles and responsibilities in protecting victims.”

“We must have a more practical approach to address the inadequacies…because we at the Ministry cannot do it alone. We need persons on the ground. We have to be preemptive, not reactive,” Minster Persaud added.

he Government will soon be funding projects for cottage industries led by women so that they can secure their livelihoods.

Minister of Human Services and Social Security, Dr Vindhya Persaud made the announcement during a virtual meeting of the Commonwealth Ministers for Women’s Affairs and Gender and Development on the COVID-19 pandemic.

During her presentation, Dr. Persaud explained that the funding for cottage industries is among long term measures to be implemented against the COVID-19 pandemic which continues to have serious socio-economic repercussions on the lives of women.

“As a consequence of the partial lockdown, significant sections of the female working population are now unemployed or are receiving reduced pay, including single parents. Many women-owned small businesses are no longer operational and women in the private care industry have lost their jobs because they can no longer work at the homes of their employers due to fear of COVID-19 transmission. The Government has instituted several measures to not only cushion the negative economic and social impacts, but that will guarantee sustained economic independence, reduce inequalities and empower

women throughout Guyana,” the Minister explained.

She noted that short-term measures being employed include the distribution of thousands of hampers and care packages targeting vulnerable communities across Guyana to bring immediate relief to families. This is in addition to the $25,000 financial household stimulus programme that was recently announced by His Excellency, Dr. Mohammed Irfaan Ali to bring relief to every household in Guyana.

According to the Human Services and Social Security Minister, the administration is determined that there should be no reversal of hard-won gains and that the progress towards achieving empowerment for women and girls, and gender equality should continue.

Additionally, the incidence of gender-based violence has increased during the past months. Dr. Persaud explained that, “With more persons at home, there has been an upsurge in reported cases of domestic violence.

The restrictions on in-person schooling has also seen more girls being exposed to abuse at home.”

In response, the Human Services and Social Security Minister highlighted that a virtual help desk to receive reports of domestic violence, child abuse cases and requests for social assistance

has been created. A hotline number will also soon be launched to specifically receive reports on domestic violence and child abuse, while a Survivors Advocacy Programme is also being implemented to support women impacted by gender-based violence.

In addition, Minister Persaud reported that Guyana will soon benefit from the UN/EU funded Spotlight Initiative to address gender-based violence. Actions will be geared towards advancing changes in the prevention strategies and strengthening multi-sectoral responses to violence against women and girls.

“The shining light in this difficult period has been the outstanding contributions of women in the response to the pandemic with many leaving their families daily to provide essential services to our population. My government recently announced its intension to establish child care assistance for essential workers employed in both the public and private sectors,” Minister Persaud assured.

She added that despite the debilitating effects of the pandemic, the administration will continue to look ahead and work tirelessly to address gender inequality, empower women and girls, and ensure that their human rights and dignity are upheld.

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WEEKEND MIRROR 12-13 SEPTEMBER, 2020

Guyana’s COVID-19 cases Guyana to benefit from COVID-19 support, vaccines from Argentina at 1,750 ‒ deaths stand at 49

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he Ministry of Public Health disclosed that Guyana now has 1,750 confirmed cases of coronavirus (COVID-19), of which 862 are men and 888 are women.

The country’s record of deaths stands at 49. The first COVID-19 death was recoded on March 11, 2020.

To date, a total of 10,459 tests have been administered.

Additionally, there have been 1,088 recoveries to date.

Guyana’s cases have shown that persons between the ages of 20 to 29 are mostly affected, unlike the trend in other countries.

Cases have been reported in most all of Guyana’s 10 Administrative Regions.

Persons with symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call the COVID-19 hotline numbers 231 1166, 226 7480 or 180/181 for assistance.

Further, a study done released on April 1, 2020, by the Pan American Health

Organisation/World Health Organisation (PAHO/WHO) and the Ministry of Public Health indicated that Guyana could see over 20,000 cases of the coronavirus.

To date, the virus has hit over 210 countries globally and over 27 million people having been confirmed as victims of COVID-19, while there have been over 899,000 deaths.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. Older people and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

The incubation period

for COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, but can be as long as 14 days. The best way to prevent and slow down transmission is be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes and how it spreads. Protect yourself and others from infection by washing your hands or using an alcohol based rub frequently and not touching your face. The COVID-19 virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, so it’s important that you also practice respiratory etiquette (for example, by coughing into a flexed elbow).

At this time, there are no specific vaccines or treatments for COVID-19, although trials are being conducted.

Attacks against Indo-Guyanese... (From page 20) Ordinance Scheme residence.

“My girls were terrified,” he lamented. As a result of the incident his vehicle, which was parked outside, was also damaged. Further a bottle of engine oil was found nearby, raising concerns about attempted arson.

Additionally, the home of one family and a small business place were razed.

One house was completely destroyed at Number 22 BelAir Village, West Coast Berbice on Tuesday (September 7, 2020). Also, a barbershop was also set alight at Number 28 Village.

F u r t h e r , s e v e r a l I ndo-Guyanese men were beaten, chopped and robbed, including: Allen Wilson, whi was beaten and chopped as he tried to get away from the protestors; ‘Kunkie’ from the East Coast who was stripped naked, robbed and beaten; Pastor Premraj Parshotam, who was pulled out of his vehicle, robbed and beaten; and Rajendra Dasrat of Golden Fleece, West Berbice, was chopped after being pulled out of his employer’s vehicle, which was then torched, among others.

Two paddy trucks were burnt. Also, several vehicles were damaged, while others were destroyed and others hijacked.

Relatives of the Henry family were also victims of protestors. Orin Carmichael was robbed by protesters at Hopetown, West Coast Berbice, and the truck he was driving was set on fire.

RECKLESS COMMENTS Meanwhile, both Opposi-

tion Leader, Joseph Harmon, and leader of the People’s National Congress Reform (PNCR), David Granger, have come in for criticism over comments that have been deemed reckless during a visit to the family of the slain teens.

Granger said, “All lives matter and we must make sure that we are able to protect ourselves and our communities. What you are doing here is the correct response to a crime and the government must protect all citizens… if the government does not do its duty to protect our citizens, we must protect ourselves…the government is not looking after human beings, it is not looking after our people. And this is the worst case of not protecting our citizens…I ask you to continue to bring pressure against this government to ensure that there is no repetition – there is no reoccurrence – of this crime. “…we have to take collective action to make sure there is no reoccurrence…our young people must be protected. If they can’t protect us, we will form a self-defence society to help protect our villages and communities....bear in mind, we are launching, today, a self-defence society to protect our community….we are calling on the government to protect us and if the government does not give us the full protection we deserve, we are going to take any reasonable measures to protect ourselves.”

Harmon, in comments, said, “We don’t know who the perpetrators are. We have

our suspicions and therefore I call on the police to do a very thorough investigation of this matter…on the investigative arm of the Guyana Police Force, they have infiltrated that arm with some of the known thugs, who have now gone into police investigation. “…we will have to insist that there be an independent investigation, independent forensic work that is done on this matter so that the evidence, which is acquired, nobody can’t hide it and duck it….we must remain vigilant. “…we must stand firm…. this is a correct response for a situation…don’t let nobody come in here afterwards and tell you they gun do this and do that…when they come, you tell them that the APNU+AFC Coalition already take care of that (the family)…there are some things, which we have to do as a community. “…the government ought to feel ashamed because they are creating an environment in which people feel they can do these things and get away with it.…we will keep the pressure on the government to make sure they take their knees off of our necks.”

Further, the APNU+AFC Coalition’s Harmon has also been to several communities, including: Ann’s Grove, East Coast Demerara, as well as at Calcutta, Paradise, Tempe, Number 28 Village, Golden Grove, Number 3 Village, Number 4 Village, Number 5 Village and Cottage on the West Coast of Berbice. There were protest actions in all these communities.

P

resident Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, on Monday (September 7, 2020), held discussions with the President of Argentina, His Excellency Alberto Fernández with regard to collaboration and support for Guyana response to the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The Argentine President committed his country’s support towards bridging the

gaps in Guyana’s COVID-19 response. This includes enhancing Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing capacity, the provision of equipment and vaccines.

Argentina has assured that all countries except Brazil will have a guaranteed 20 percent of its demands for the COVID-19 vaccines met.

These vaccines are manufactured by AstraZeneca/Oxford

vaccine and Pfizer. The vaccines are being developed in Argentina and distributed from Mexico.

The Pfizer vaccine will be ready in November in Argentina while the AstraZeneca vaccine will be ready

by March 2021.

The Health Ministers of both countries will meet tomorrow to advance discussions in this regard.

Widespread COVID-19 vaccinations expected around mid-2021 – WHO (Reuters) The World Health Organization does not expect widespread vaccinations against COVID-19 until the middle of next year, a spokeswoman said on Friday, stressing the importance of rigorous checks on their effectiveness and safety.

None of the candidate vaccines in advanced clinical trials so far has demonstrated a “clear signal” of efficacy at the level of at least 50% sought by the WHO, spokeswoman Margaret Harris said.

Russia granted regulatory approval to a COVID-19 vaccine in August after less than two months of human testing, prompting some Western experts to question its safety and efficacy.

U.S. public health officials and Pfizer Inc said on Thursday a vaccine could be ready for distribution as soon as late October. That

would be just ahead of the U.S. election on Nov. 3 in which the pandemic is likely to be a major factor among voters deciding whether President Donald Trump wins a second term.

“We are really not expecting to see widespread vaccination until the middle of next year,” Harris told a U.N. briefing in Geneva.

“This phase 3 must take longer because we need to see how truly protective the vaccine is and we also need to see how safe it is,” she added. This referred to the phase in vaccine research where large clinical trials among people are conducted. Harris did not refer to any specific vaccine candidate.

All data from trials must be shared and compared, Harris said. “A lot of people have been vaccinated and what we don’t know is whether the vaccine works...

at this stage we do not have the clear signal of whether or not it has the level of worthwhile efficacy and safety...,” she added.

The WHO and GAVI vaccine alliance are leading a global vaccine allocation plan known as COVAX that aims to help buy and distribute shots fairly. The focus is on first vaccinating the most high-risk people in every country such as healthcare workers.

COVAX aims to procure and deliver 2 billion doses of approved vaccines by the end of 2021, but some countries that have secured their own supplies through bilateral deals, including the United States, have said they will not join.

“Essentially, the door is open. We are open. What the COVAX is about is making sure everybody on the planet will get access to the vaccines,” Harris said.

Legislative agenda includes major reforms, response to critical concerns – Teixeira T

he legislative agenda of the People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) administration is “large” and will address both constitutional reform, as well as electoral reforms, according to Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira.

“We have a large legislative agenda and we have issues to do with electoral

reform, as well as constitutional reform…there is much work to be done, not only at the sittings, but also at the level of the Parliamentary Committees,” she said.

The Minister stressed that in all the legislative advances, the focus is on serving, as best as possible, the interest of the Guyanese people.

“We have legislation that was passed that were un-

friendly or even anti-human rights, including the Cybercrime Act, which included sedition – an issue that was removed by the PPP in 1997.

The sedition laws were removed from our statues and it was the APNU+AFC that put sedition back in. Most countries no longer have sedition in their laws; it if felt to be undemocratic and it is draconian,” she said about

some of the work that has to be done.

The Minister added, “The Anti-Terrorism law has the death penalty 10 times in the Act….you also, have the State Assets Recovery Act, where the Executive Director can assume powers of the Commissioner of Police, the DPP, the Chief Immigration Officer, etc., etc. This is madness. This is not law. This is

not acceptable.”

These matters are among the urgent issues to be addressed, as well as the introduction of new legislation that addresses everything from the oil and gas sector to constitutional reform.

Teixeira said, “You saw we a new panel up to deal with Local Content. This is an important issue we have to resolve and bring the Local Content Policy and legislation to the House as quickly as possible.”

Addressing the issue of timelines for constitutional reform and electoral reform, she explained that these will be dealt with in 2021, given that the remainder of 2020 will be focused on the approval of a national budget, as well as other minor issues.

She said, “The issue of constitutional reform will not come before the end of December, because there is a process. We have to have a consultative process to include the views of Guyanese.

What do we want to reform in it?

“In addition to that, electoral reform has many layers that have to be examine, both from a procedural and legislative point of view. And it may include constitutional amendments….this also requires consultation, participation and the involvement of the Guyanese people.”

At the next sitting of the House, the Minister explained that the issue of the Standing Parliamentary Committees will be addressed. There are also four Sectoral Committees namely: the Committee on Natural

Resources; the Committee on Economic Services; the Committee on Foreign Relations; and the Committee on Social Services. “We will have to look at the Committee of Selection, which is the Committee headed by the Speaker, that selects the MPs for every one of the other Committees. There are some urgent Committees that need to be set up,” she said, referring to the Committee of Appointments and the Public Accounts Committee. The PAC will be reviewing the 2019 Auditor General’s Report, while the Committee of Appointment is expected to be addressing the vacancies in key organisations, such as the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) and the Public Service Commission (PSC).

“There are also a number of other Committees that need to get going, the Sectoral Committees,” She said.

The Minister added that much time has been lost and there is much to do. “We are trying to catch up on time.

This country has lost time and it is very hard to catch up on time, so that we can put things back to normalcy and stability….we have major issues to deal with…we are two tracks – the track of COVID-19; and the track of a government putting things in place to allow us in 2021 to rapidly move forward to address the concerns of our people…we are driven by an agenda to put this country back on its feet and to take care of our people…we will be aggressive in pushing our policies and programmes,” Teixeira declared.

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